Sanctity of LoC extends to entire J&K — US

Welcoming the withdrawal of infiltrators by Pakistan from the Indian territory in Kargil, Foley said the US hopes the Lahore process would be resumed to settle all differences between India and Pakistan after the sanctity of the LoC is re-established and there is “full cessation of hostilities”.

The US welcomed the developments which “demonstrate a desire of both countries to end this crisis.”

The end to the fighting and restoration of the sanctity of the LoC, the US hopes, will be a prelude to the restoration of the Lahore process in which India and Pakistan will be able to discuss“the entire range of issues between them,” Foley said.

The State Department spokesman made it clear that the attention which the Kargil conflict drew does not constitute international mediation.

“The fact is we (US) were very concerned about this (Kargil) crisis. We maintained very close and productive dialogue with both India and Pakistan throughout this crisis… but international attention, be it by the US or by other countries, they (interest and mediation) are different concepts,” Foley told mediapersons, adding that “the US is not a mediator nor do we offer any specific proposal.”

As for the transgression of the LoC by regular Pakistani infiltrators in areas other than Kargil, he admitted that over the years there have been “a number of incidents” along different parts of the LoC.

But in Kargil, “we had a major crisis” demanding immediate defusing of the situation. “Hopefully, once we have restoration of the LoC and full cessation of hostilities,” the Lahore process would be resumedand India and Pakistan would begin to deal with these issues through bilateral dialogue, he added.