Igor Ivanov Says That The Dispute Around Kashmir Should Be Settled By Peaceful Means On A Bilateral Basis Without Any Outside Interference

The Russian position on the Kashmir issue remains unchanged. This dispute should be settled by peaceful means on a bilateral basis laid by the 1972 Simla agreement without any outside interference, Russian foreign minister Igor Ivanov told the Indian Hindu newspaper. He noted that Moscow welcomes the steps by the Indian government aimed at reducing tension in Kashmir. Igor Ivanov expressed the hope that India and Pakistan will find strength to continue their steps to normalise bilateral relations and resume the full-fledged negotiation process on the basis of the Lahor agreements that would enable both states to settle disputable issues.