Tuesday, April 12 2005 09:36 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jammu: Asking Britain to take the lead among European countries in withdrawing travel advisories with regard to Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed yesterday (Apr 11, 2005) said that the situation in the State no longer calls for their continuation as separatists are now viewing the ongoing peace process positively.

"Except Syed Ali Shah Geelani, separatists in Kashmir are now positively viewing the ongoing peace process and they might as well board the bus to Muzaffarabad for persuading militants to give peace a chance in Jammu and Kashmir," Sayeed told British High Commissioner Sir Michael Arthur who called on him in Jammu yesterday afternoon.

Mufti said the situation in the State was as normal as anywhere else in the country and, therefore, European countries, including Britain, should withdraw travel advisories.

"Britain should take lead in this regard," he said.

The Chief Minister suggested identifying specific places like Gulmarg and Patnitop for travel by citizens of the United Kingdom as has been done in the case of Leh and Kargil "if there is any hitch in completely withdrawing the advisory now".

Assuring full security to foreign tourists, Mufti said that the withdrawal of the advisories is important for Jammu and Kashmir and its people. "The state is ready to receive any number of foreign tourists."

He said that the tourists from various countries, including Japan and Malaysia, have been visiting Kashmir and have returned with positive feelings.