New Delhi: Terming as a "bold" step Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's offer of 'hand of friendship' to Pakistan, Britain on April 30 asserted that all support to terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir from across the border must stop.

British High Commissioner in India Sir Rob Young said Kashmir problem was a bilateral issue, which India and Pakistan alone would have to resolve. "Countries friendly to the two nations are prepared to lend a helping hand," he said.

Stating that Vajpayee's move was "positive, helpful and courageous", the British Envoy welcomed the telephonic talk Pakistan Premier Zafarullah Khan Jamali had with Vajpayee on April 29 while condemning the recent terrorist strike in J and K, saying all support to terrorism from across the border must end.

"Terrorism is one of the major challenges before the world. We understand the situation India is facing," he said.

He also said that in the past, terrorist incidents had increased whenever efforts were made by India and Pakistan towards talks.

Asked about his view on Pakistan taking adequate measures to halt cross-border terrorism, Sir Rob said, "We are working with Pakistan in this regard so that cross-border terrorism ends."

PTI