THE new Labour Government hopes a solution to the long-standing problem of Kashmir may be in sight.

Trouble in the Indian province was responsible for sparking the capture of Blackburn student Paul Wells by militant rebels.

Foreign Office Minister Derek Fatchett, told Burnley MP Peter Pike that there appeared to be a new atmosphere of co-operation between the Indian and Pakistani governments, who have long disputed claims over the area.

Mr Pike told Mr Fatchett: "There would be no better way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of independence for Pakistan and India than to resolve the long-outstanding problem of Kashmir. Although the key to unlocking the problem is clearly in the hands of India, with a positive response from Pakistan, will you make it clear that the new British Government intend to take a much more positive attitude in trying to end this long-running problem." Mr Fatchett said: "You are absolutely right to say that a breakthrough in relations between India and Pakistan would be very appropriate in the 50th year of independence.

"We warmly welcome the new atmosphere that seems to have been generated recently and anticipate with hope the talks between the Pakistan and Indian governments. We hope that they will create a totally new framework of relationships between India and Pakistan."

Mr Fatchett said the Government was keen to find a solution to the Kashmir problem and offered to give any assistance that might be requested to the two governments.

Paul, of Bracken Close, Feniscowles, Blackburn, was kidnapped at gun-point in July, 1995.

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