Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs
1995 Nobel Peace Prize

PRESS RELEASE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2004

The Pugwash Conferences, recipient of the 1995 Nobel Peace Prize, today concluded an historic meeting involving more than 50 individuals from Jammu and Kashmir, India and Pakistan on ways of ending more than five decades of conflict and establishing a secure and prosperous future for the peoples of this vital region of South Asia.

For the first time in many years, members of political parties, non-governmental organizations, and civil society from both sides of the Line of Control were able to meet each other, and their colleagues from India and Pakistan, in an atmosphere of trust and reconciliation as they discussed ways of overcoming many of the contentious issues that confront them. 

Participants of the conference welcomed the resumption of the composite dialogue between India and Pakistan in the hope that a sustained dialogue between the two countries will lead to enhanced confidence and greater cooperation in areas of mutual interest and a resolution of all outstanding issues including Jammu and Kashmir.

For too long, conflict in Jammu and Kashmir has produced widespread suffering and deprivation for the people of the region and served as an enduring source of conflict between India and Pakistan.  Participants expressed the hope that Jammu and Kashmir need not forever represent a chasm dividing Pakistan and India, but could potentially be a bridge between these two great countries and transform the political and economic fortunes of South Asia.

Over four days, participants discussed ways of reducing violence and building trust, improving the transportation infrastructure and economy of the region, instituting cooperative programs, and generally enhancing the welfare and fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Much remains to be done if long-standing tensions are to be overcome.  But participants at the Pugwash meeting were optimistic that an important first step had been taken.  Future meetings and ways of continuing and intensifying the dialogue were discussed in the knowledge that the people of Jammu and Kashmir themselves must help lead the way to a more peaceful and prosperous future.

The Pugwash Conferences would like to express its deep appreciation to the government of Nepal for its assistance in hosting the meeting in Kathmandu, and to the governments of India and Pakistan for their encouragement and support.

Prof. Paolo Cotta-Ramusino Secretary General Rome office

Dr. Jeffrey Boutwell Executive Director Washington, DC office

Addendum

Statement of Consensus by Persons from both sides of the

Line of Control, Jammu and Kashmir

During the Pugwash meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal, there was a meeting just of persons from both sides of the Line of Control, on Monday, December 13.  The following is a statement from that session.

A general consensus developed as follows:

1. The dignity and welfare of the inhabitants of Jammu and Kashmir are of paramount importance;
   
   
2. The process of peace should be developed around the following features:
   a)    solutions to be sought in a peaceful manner
   b)    solutions to be perceived as honorable
   c)     solutions to be feasible 
   
   
3. Confidence-building measures to be taken include ending violence, steps to improve the economy and social institutions, and steps to create the conditions for the rule of law.
   
   
4. The dialogue process started in Kathmandu should be continued and institutionalized.