Wikileaks: US wanted to preserve LoC truce
A 2005 US diplomatic cable to under the heading 'preserving the LoC ceasefire', the then Ambassador to India, David C Mulford urged the Bush Administration to issue a statement to support the truce announced by New Delhi & Islamabad on November 24, 2003.
"We urge the Department to issue a firm statement supporting the ceasefire; reiterating our unequivocal opposition to cross-border terrorist infiltration; condemning the recent shelling and reaffirming our support for the Composite Dialogue process," Mulford urged the US government in the cable sent in January 2005. The cable is one of 138,887 released by Wikileaks on August 30.
"The LoC ceasefire is one of the most important achievements in the slow but steady Indo-Pak rapprochement process that began in mid-2003 with former PM Vajpayee's 'Hand of Friendship' speech, but without US engagement that accomplishment could soon flounder," Mulford reported.
He appreciated response of New Delhi & Islamabad in the aftermath of two ceasefire violations in three days in January 2005 terming it as "measured" and "serious". "Despite shelling of Indian side of LoC twice in three days (January 18 & 20), both governments have responded in a measured and serious manner, conscious that 14 months of silence along the LOC has comes to symbolize de-escalation of Indo-Pak conflict, while providing tens of thousands of Kashmiris the longest respite from daily shelling since the 1999 Kargil War," he added.
"The ceasefire... has fuelled hopes for broader progress in military CBMs. These instances of shelling, if they do not stop, could spill over into Composite Dialogue and negatively affect broad sense of goodwill that exists in India for fixing relations with Pakistan," Mulford said.
AFP adds
The Wikileaks website published its full archive of 250, 000 cables in a searchable format on August 30 after its website came under cyber attacks after what it alleged the Guardian newspaper had violated terms of agreement over their archives.
The Wikileaks had been working with many news organisations around the world, providing exclusive access to them. However, it fell out with Britain’s The Guardian newspaper, after it accused the paper of leaking its encrypted password to government agencies.
Among the newly released documents were tens of thousands from countries with which the United States has difficult relationships, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Venezuela.
COMMENTS (12)
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The best way for both the countries to go forward is by reopening back channel communication and concerns of all the interested parties including pak army has to be discussed and solved once and for all by setting a proper time frame.
Let there be peace between the two countries.It is dumb to spend about 30% budget on arms and ammunition by both countries.This money can be better spent for social development to improve quality of life of poor people in both countries.
The declaration of ceasefire along LoC in 2003 was probably the best thing to happen between the two neighbours which besides reducing tension also saved precious lives on both sides. US deserves special appreciation from both countries on this issue.
@Mirza:
Sir, apart from Pak-Af(?) rest of the South Asia is peaceful and working towards the growth path only, quoting entire region shows that you are still ill prepared to accept the ground realities.
We need to realize that it is very important for a country to have good relations with its neighbors. India is a huge market and Pakistan should treat it as such. Perhaps then will we develop some appreciation for India. Here is a great piece written on a recent conversation between Zaid Hamid and Ms Marvi Sirmed. http://mintopark.com/2011/09/01/differnotdespise/ It is extremely enlightening and thoughtful, something we seemed to have little supply of these days. Thanks
Nothing new --- and once again Wikileaks confirms that USA was playing things straight. The USA has consistently tried to maintain peace between Pakistan and India and has pulled Pakistan out of the fire more than once.
Keep on going US. Well done Controlled Leaks.
This is nonsense. I would say FAKE wikileaks doc. USA is already lacking on relation with Pakistan and so it needs such emotional subjects to soften it. The divide and rule policy wont work if there's ' cease fire ' round the clock! how funny!
First ever leak showing positive side of US ....!!
Preventing war and stopping fundamentalism is the best thing for all of South Asia. The more we all agree on this minimum agenda the better it is for the people of the region.
It is USA who is difficult for himself who even do not bother to read the meanings of ally, friend and friendship from the dictionary in any language. Senselessly using might all around the world