EU wants more action on Kashmir

A million men are still deployed along the frontlines

European Union leaders have called on Pakistan to do more to curb the infiltration of militants into Indian-administered Kashmir.

The European Council... called on Pakistan to take further concrete actions... to stop infiltration across the Line of Control

EU statement

In a draft declaration drawn up for their meeting in Seville in Spain, they also urge India to take more steps to de-escalate the situation in response.

The 15 leaders welcome recent signs of an easing of tension, but note that the situation along the border between the two countries remains precarious.

India and Pakistan came to the brink of war after some 30 people were killed in an attack last month on Indian army camp.

India blamed the attack on Pakistan-based militants fighting to end Indian rule in Kashmir.

Closing camps

The EU statement welcomes the steps taken so far by President Musharraf to clamp down on militant infiltration into Kashmir - and India's limited moves in response.

But it called on Pakistan "to take further concrete actions" by closing down militant training camps and preventing such groups operating from Pakistani-controlled Kashmir.

The EU also calls on both countries to establish an effective monitoring system to stop infiltration.

The statement also stresses the importance of "free, fair and inclusive" elections in Indian Kashmir due to be held later this year.

Situation 'improving'

US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who recently visited the region, said on Friday that the situation was improving.

President Musharraf: Said war was very close

He told journalists in Washington that both nations had taken some initial steps, which "are indeed having a positive effect."

India has noted a decline in infiltration across the Line of Control that divides Kashmir, but says it will take time to assess whether Pakistan has done enough to stop militant activity.

President Musharraf has warned that crisis with India will remain potentially explosive while both sides have large numbers of forces massed on their borders.

General Musharraf told the BBC that the two countries had come "very close" to war - although the threat had diminished because intentions had changed.

But he said the capability for fighting remained.