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Blair Enters the Maelstrom
Friday, January 4, 2002
(14:23 GMT)
By Barnaby Mason
BBC Diplomatic Correspondent

Pakistan wants outside intervention in Kashmir.
Photo Credit: The Associated Press.

The Pakistanis are always keen on outside intervention in the Kashmir dispute, the Indians hate the idea and insist it is a purely bilateral affair.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair is again engaged in personal diplomacy to try to resolve an international crisis.

This time it is the dangerous confrontation between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir.

Map Credit: The BBC.

His tour of South Asia was planned much earlier, but in the last few days it has taken on added significance.

Britain's efforts are now being co-ordinated with the United States, as they were over Afghanistan.

The message from both Washington and London to India and Pakistan seems simple - please do not go to war and please start talking to each other again. But the situation is complex.
(More: BBC.com News Source)
2002 © The British Broadcasting Corporation.

Dan