Islamabad: Describing the recent India-Pak ceasefire as truly significant, Britain has said the confidence building measures (CBMs) would pave the way for resolution of outstanding differences between the two countries, including Kashmir.

"The recent ceasefire between the two countries…with other confidence building measures, will pave the way to the beginning of a process, which could lead to the resolution of outstanding differences, including the issue of Kashmir itself," visiting British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Investment, Mike O' Brien told reporters in Islamabad yesterday (Dec 10, 2003).

Britain would remain impartial in its stand on the issues on Kashmir and other issues relating to India and Pakistan, he said.

He said Britain would support Pakistan's re-entry into the Commonwealth, provided it continues to make progress towards restoration of Democracy.

The Commonwealth would like to see positive changes in Pakistan, he said, and expressed hope that an agreement among Commonwealth members would be reached soon to allow Pakistan's re-entry as a full member of the organisation.

The Minister declined to comment on the alleged attempts by British intelligence agency MI-5 to bug Pakistan High Commission in London, claiming that Britain do not comment on issues relating to intelligence anywhere.

PTI