2. Kofi Annan Visit
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is in the middle of a trip to South Asia, where he is to visit Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and India, in that order. Some Kashmiri leaders criticized Annan for not scheduling visits with Kashmiri groups, through UN officials stated that Annan does not expect to be able to have a significant impact on resolving the Kashmir issue.
"Annan aims to reduce Indo-Pak tension"
Annan met with Pakistani government officials, including President Mohammad Rafiq Tarar, and discussed various issues, including Kashmir.
"Annan, Pakistani officials discuss peace, security in South Asia"
While in Pakistan, he stated that a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue rests within the Lahore Declaration, and not with implementation of the UN resolutions on the Kashmir or on a human rights commission. The Times of India reported that this statement is supportive of India's position on the issue. Annan also stated that his office could play a role in the conflict, but that a third-party could only be of assistance if both India and Pakistan accepted a mediator.
"Annan rules out implementation of UN resolution on Kashmir"
"UN chief backs Indian stand on Kashmir"
"UN ready to play role on Kashmir, says Annan"
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference expressed an interest in having a representative of the group meet with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in India and designated Abdul Gani Lone to be their representative. The APHC also stated its regret that Annan did not believe the UN could play a greater role in resolution of the Kashmir issue.
"Hurriyat deputes Lone to meet Kofi Annan"
"All Parties Hurriyat Conference regrets Annan's remarks"