Russia hails ceasefire

By Vladimir Radyuhin

MOSCOW, NOV. 23. Russia has strongly backed India's unilateral ceasefire in Kashmir. In a statement issued on Wednesday night, the Russian Foreign Ministry welcomed the ceasefire as a move facilitating the resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir.

``This initiative by the Indian leadership is a fortunate step towards realisation of a willingness for the resumption of dialogue proclaimed both by Delhi and Islamabad,`` the Russian statement said.

Moscow used the occasion to call for Indo-Pakistani talks on Kashmir. ``We are convinced that the Indo-Pakistani negotiating process is crucial for progress towards non- confrontational relations in South Asia. It is important not to lose another chance for creating an atmosphere favourable for renouncing violence, defusing tensions and building up a climate of trust between the two biggest countries in South Asia.''

The Russian Foreign Ministry restated Moscow's opposition towards internationalisation of the Kashmir problem. ``As regards Russia's stand on the Kashmir issue, it remains unchanged: the problem must be resolved through peaceful, political means on the basis of a bilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan,'' the Foreign Ministry statement said.

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