The European Parliament,

A. gravely concerned at the recent spate of kidnappings by Kashmiri militant groups, including two Swedish engineers working on a hydro-electric project, six Israeli tourists and one Dutch tourist, as well as a number of Indian civilians serving in Kashmir with the Indian Oil Corporation and the Life Insurance Corporation,

B. noting that while one of the foreign captives was killed, all the others escaped or were released and that some of the Indian hostages are still held, while others have been brutally murdered,

1. Condemns these kidnappings and other terrorist actions committed by certain Kashmiri militant groups;

2. Notes that, since the eruption of violence in Kashmir in December 1989, around 2900 deaths have occurred among the Indian security forces, the various militant groups and civilian non-combatants;

3. Calls for the immediate release of all remaining hostages held by Kashmiri militant groups,

4. Appeals to the Governments of India and Pakistan to intensify their dialogue over Kashmir in a spirit of constructive compromise and to ensure respect for human rights;

5. Calls on the Commission and EPC to use their good offices to assist in bringing about a settlement to the long-standing Kashmir dispute;

6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, EPC and the Governments of India and Pakistan.