London: Britain has said that India and Pakistan should resolve their differences, including over Kashmir, through dialogue but the voice of the Kashmiri people must be heard in the process.

"We believe that Britain's best approach is to engage with both India and Pakistan to encourage dialogue between them. We have always said that India and Pakistan will best Resolve their differences, including over Kashmir, through dialogue. The voice of the Kashmiri people must also be heard in that process," Mike O'Brien, Foreign Office Minister, said.

He was replying to queries after meeting members of Kashmiri community from across Britain yesterday (May 28, 2004).

O'Brien said, "The election of the new Government in India produces new opportunities. I welcome the statement by the Indian Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, that the new Government intends to strengthen, widen and deepen India's bilateral relations, and to continue the peace process with Pakistan.

"We welcome the commitment of both the Indian and Pakistani Governments to peaceful engagement with one another through dialogue over all their outstanding differences. The UK will continue to offer both Governments its support."

About human rights in Kashmir, O'Brien said, "We have resolutely condemned human rights abuses in Kashmir. We have also made clear our belief that terrorist activities have no part in the peace process. Violent acts hinder progress towards the resolution of the differences between India and Pakistan."