Toronto – November 12, 2009: Belgium wants a common European Union position on human rights for the Kashmiri people in accordance with international law, writes His Excellency Mr. Herman Van Rompuy, Prime Minister of Belgium, to Mr. Mushtaq A. Jeelani, Executive Director of Peace and Justice Forum (PJF). In his letter to Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy, Mr. Jeelani expressed serious concern about human rights situation in Indian-administered Kashmir; the failure of India and Pakistan bilateral process in resolving the festering Kashmir issue. Mr. Jeelani also urged Prime Minister Rompuy for his help and support in finding a peacefully negotiated solution to the Kashmir issue. The Prime Minister says: “I have taken due note of your letter concerning the situation in Kashmir.” The Prime Minister underlines, “We will make sure that the [Kashmir] issue remains on the European Union agenda, and continue to stress the need for a common European position on the principles governing basic human rights for the Kashmiri people in accordance with international law.” He further underscores: “In this regard, the Belgian authorities constantly draw the attention of the Indian and Pakistani administrations to various policy positions. In particular Belgium: ▪ Calls upon the governments of India and Pakistan to press on with their constructive dialogue on the status of Kashmir. ▪ Calls upon the governments of India and Pakistan to show the utmost restraint regarding the use of armed forces. ▪ Stresses the need for transparency, and in particular to allow the international media, human rights agencies (NGOs) and humanitarian organizations access to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.” The Prime Minister concludes with further assurance: “I will of course be keeping a close watch on any further developments.”