Diplomat's visit to Neelam Valley
along the LoC

Venue: Kuttan Rest House, Athmuqam, Neelam Valley (AJ&K)
Dated:  July 9,10 2007

Subject:
To discern what is being propagated and what is the factual ground situation, in post earthquake and cease-fire scenario.

Participants:

Mr/ Ms William M.C. Aalmans
HOM, Netherlands

Ms Ina Lapel
DCM, German

Mr. Konstantin Obolensky
DHM, Swiss

Mr Hans Nickoloson
Minister, Sweden

Mr/Ms Christian Daciaca
3rd Secretary, Romania

Ms Marikiku Caku               
S Advisor, Japan

Ms Eriko Murata
2nd Secretary, Japan



Objective:

Objective of this exhaustive and long trip was, to engage and involve the foreign delegates, based in Islamabad, to make them aware about the current ground situation of the Neelum Valley, in post ceasefire and earthquake scenario and the reconstruction and rehabilitation of crossfire and earthquake victims.

The delegation left for long journey to Neelum Valley, on June 9, along with Sardar Amjad Yousaf. During journey break in Muzzarafabad the delegation was received by Deputy Speaker of Legislative Assembly Sardar Farooq Tahir and the secretary of Assembly, in the premises of the AJK Legislative assembly in Muzaffarabad. AJ&K Prime Minster Sardar Attiq Ahmed Khan hosted a lunch in their honour and briefed the delegation, about the reconstruction work carried out by the AJK government, with the help of ERRA and SERRA and also appreciated, javelin role played by NGOs in harsh situation.

Acting President while welcoming briefed the visitors in detail about the grievances of the local habitants who had suffered and bled a lot during cross fire and said; that their smooth visit was never practicable four years before due to the unabated shelling from Indian forces, which consumed scores of peopl., The envoys left on the same evening for Neelum Valley and was received by Shah Ghulam Qadir acting president AJ&K who hosted a dinner in their honour at Kuttan rest house Athmuqam, vis-a -vis late night Kashmiri musical program was organised.

Summary:
Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR), organized a two-days hectic but comprehensive, family tour for diplomats of various embassies, based in Islamabad. The venue was more than 300 kilometers away from Islamabad up to Neelum valley, along the Line of Control, Muzaffarabad to Karren (AJ&K).

animals and damaged the valuable property worth of millions and made life of the community   miserable. It is why that roads are dented and damaged and were not reconstructed since nobody was allowed to move to and fro therefore scares of that horrible era are still existing and people are facing the brent due to lack of proper communication.

He told the delegation that this area faced two consecutive disasters, one was man made and another one was natural, shelling from Indian forces, which was longest one, and also the earthquake of 8th October 2005, has far effects upon the smooth life of the inhabitants which ended in minutes but consumed the precious life and property.

Chairman Kashmir Institute of International Relations told the guests that 

Nowadays inhabitants of this far flung area are feeling the sigh of relief only after 2002 when ceasefire was announced by Islamabad and then New Dehli, but cease fire was not extended deep to the valley. 

Horrible memory of Indian fire is still haunting, so until and unless, there is not the final resolution of Kashmir issue nobody can assume that this bit of relief will continue.

Nowadays Guns are silent after one and a half decade. Government of AJ&K have utilized all its available resources and have taken the series of initiatives besides the reconstruction of the road, In this context the survey has been carried out now eighteen feet broad road reconstruction from Muzaffarabad to Tao Butt is in progress.

Shah Ghulam Qadir, while briefing the guests said; “that they should realize and analyze themselves that what is ground reality and what is being propagated” while visiting this area, which was Shangri-La on earth, now, changed in to hell. People of this area also needed to be up lifted which is only palatable when there is sustainable peace in the region for which every peace loving country should play its role by helping in resolving core issue which has dived the hearts and deeds of the people. The LoC is like that of wall of Berlin, which shall be demolished because the inhabitants of the area are facing the wrath since decades. It is the ripe and right time to bury the hatchet and facilitate each other for bringing the sustainable peace in the entire region without prejudice and stereotype thinking.

On 10th June morning Honorable guests left for Karen, which is the extreme end of LoC. Envoys axiom the fencing erected by Indian authorities. In Karen rest house Executive Director KIIR briefed the diplomats about the current status of the LoC and the violation of International law by Indian forces post the seize fire scenario vis-à-vis the implications of the UN protocol.

Sardar Amjad Yousaf said that Indian forces took an advantage of cease fire and erected fourteen feet high fencing built in two rows which is mined and electrified therefore made the life of the people more miserable whose survival depends only upon the cultivation of maize on slops of jagged terrine and gazing of sheep they can not carry on their forming and gazing of animals properly, since their movement is restricted. They are only allowed to cross the grille though exit points, so they are hostage by all practical means in their own houses as their lawns of home are also at odds which is simply a third division of our homeland.   Sheikh Waleed Rasool Director Research and Publication was also present on the occasion.

Back from Karen a lunch was arranged by the Assembly member of Pakistan Peoples Party Mian Abdul Waheed in honour of the envoys in Kutten who thanked the envoys for their visit, while walking through long distance from Islamabad to this far-flung area. Cavalcade of guests and hosts moved down with the president from Neelam valley towards Capital city Muzaffarabad and back to Islamabad.

Dr. G. N. Fai with Diplomats

Venue: KIIR, Islamabad    
Dated: May 18, 2007

Subject:
Kashmir conflict “A view of Kashmiri Diaspora”

Speaker:

Dr G. N. Fai
Hans Nicklasson
Minister Embassy of Sweden

Miss Laura Davis
Political officer Embassy of UK

Cristan Dacica
Third Secretary Political
Embassy of Romania

Ibrahim Gafarove
First secretary
Embassy of Azerbaijan

Sardar Amjad Yousaf

Miss Uzara Shah

Dr. Sheikh G. Rasool Waleed

Shumalia Tahir

Abdul Mateen

A luncheon meeting with diplomats was arranged in honour of Executive Director of Kashmir American Council Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Executive Director of KIIR Introduced Dr.G.N. Fai, an IHK migrant settled in U.S.A, a veteran Kashmiri leader working on diplomatic front.

Dr. Fai gave a comprehensive breifing, covering broader spectrum of international arena, American Kashmir policy, domestic and international dimensions of Kashmir issue, Confidence-Building Measures. Ground Situation in Kashmir, post 9/11 scenario, Role of Kashmiri Americans, Peace loving community of Globe, and Role of Organization of Islamic Countries etc.

Without biased perception it is reality the A.B Vajpaie an Ex. Prime Minister of India despite being considered the hard core, initiated the peace process and also Pakistan, right from day one, endorsed formally, they are ready to initiate the process of reconciliation, at any time, any place and any were.

The latest phase of peace process is also on the run. One can't ignore,  that people from various Diaspora have apprehensions, we shall address open heartedly the concerns of Indian also, it is obvious that both the countries have to help each other and reach the conclusion, where no body should feel the shy that they have lost, so we shall reach to win- win situation for every stakeholder including the principal party.

America is keeping vigil on Indo-Pak relations, because they have their own interests, they know, stability and peace is the only guarantee to safeguard their interests. I have series of meetings with the concerned people who are at the helm of affairs including President Bush and the Condoleezza Rice, who talked about the Kashmir spade a spade particularly, when President Bush was about to leave South Asian tour for India, he called the Pakistani journalists at eleventh hour and said, "U.S.A will accept only, that solution which will be acceptable to Kashmir's.

I always practice the optimism and believe in meritocracy despite we are facing many challenges domestically and inter-nationally but we shall be utterly rational that our past is bitter with India, still there is no route available to move away from trauma of the entire era of blame games and counter blame games, so we shall reconcile about the future prospects because things have changed which will usher us towards peace and reconciliation and is bacon of light and hope for everybody who dreams peace after long conflict.

United states interests in the Kashmir conflict are manifold. Avoiding nuclear and missile proliferation is foremost. Secondarily are general predisposition favoring self-determination dating from president Wood Wilson's 14 points, obedience to international law and human rights.

OIC framed the Contact Group about Kashmir, Lanka and Morocco it is why, All parties Hurriyat conference is participating as observer in OIC. Organization of Islamic counters is concerned with Kashmir, which is evident during this Summit that Niger Lady foreign minister spoke spade a spade during concluding session that Kashmir's are the principal party of the dispute so they should be included in ongoing talks which is in progress.

One should not ignore that there are domestic dimensions of the dispute. it was risky for Mirwaiz Umer Farooq to enter in dialogue with Dr. Man Mohan Singh a mid of criticism from various quarters. Dr. Singh promised APHC leaders during meeting about the restrain and Zero tolerance but one can't notice even an iota of change on the ground. Violation in every form is continuing unabated even political prisoners have not given the right to survive.

The future of composite dialogue depends upon Indian attitude, she should play now its role in decorating ground for peace because there is no any trepidation that she had any thing on stake by repealing the draconian laws, which hade made life of the Kashmir's miserable it is not hidden fact that these laws have given blunt teeth to forces.

There is heaviest concentration of troops in Kashmir then any chunk of the land in the globe, it was observed by the Indian team of intellectuals during their Kashmir trip.

Masses are well aware about their political rights so they can understand that we have to address the apprehensions of other side but accommodation of political right should be initiated from India. Pakistan have initiated series of CBMS which are up to the mark and they must be given the credit despite they were according to conflict mechanism but CBMS should be Kashmir centric and these CBMS can yield result only when there is reciprocity from Indian side also.

International community has vital role to play because without referee one can't decide. Arbitration, meditation or facilitation could only work when both parties do agree the neutral rule of third party. Islamabad has already agreed upon the third parties role but India is reluctant. Lets work on the collective determent and be pragmatic and dig the hard terrain at lost we will definitely reach to fresh water.

Intra Kashmir Dialogue

Venue: Katmandu, Nepal
Dated: November 11 to 15, 2005

Objectives
To bring the Kashmiries of all regions and religion from both sides of line of control for building bridges with the concept of faith-based reconciliation.

Organizers:
International Center for Religion and Diplomacy, Washington (ICR&D) in collaboration with Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR)

Project Incharge
Mr. Brian Cox, Senior Vice President, ICR & D

Delegates

• Shah Ghulam Qadir,
• Sardar Amjad Yousaf,
• Dr K.L. Chaudhry,
• A.R. Hanjura Advocate,
• Dr Dauood Iqbal Baba,
• Rakesh Kar,
• Muhammad Ramzan Khan,
• Iftikhar Ahmed Bazmi,
• Tsering Tsomo,
• Sardar Usman Ali Khan,
• Sardar Azhar Nazar,
• Chaudhry Ilyas Advocate,
• Sardar Tahir Aziz,
• Uzera Shah,
• Hamid Nasim Vir Ji Saraf
• Maria Iqbal Tarana

Summary
The participants of the workshop were part of faith-based reconciliation, seminars organized in all parts of Jammu and Kashmir. All the participants had prior knowledge of the core values of the concept. The workshop concluded with a sense of hope and joy as people of both sides of LoC gathered at a neutral venue.

Suggestions

• Pluralistic vision of the community and the restoration of human values
  
• Repatriation of Kashmiri Pundits and all displaced persons to their homeland
  
• Demolishing walls of hostility and hatred
  
• Encouraging all available means possible to allow free flow of the Kashmiris
  
• Supporting international community for peace process between India and Pakistan
  
• Setting up the mechanism to facilitate the economic restitution of land and business to Kashmiri Pundits and all other displaced persons
  
• India and Pakistan shall take measures for the inclusion of Kashmir's across LoC in the dialogue process for
  achieving sustainable peace

Recommendations
Respect of all religions shall be part of educational curriculum for essential moral values. Unified Kashmir voice is essential so that the legitimate aspirations of the people of the State of Jammu and Kashmir might be heard. Taking measures for sharing power and privileges among different identity based groups for essential to achieve social justice.

Visitors at Institute

1. IW Johns, Opposition Leader, Wales Assembly visited on 3rd January, 2005.
2. Peter Boxer, Political Officer of British High Commission visited on January19, 2005
3. Mr. Tim Enderlin DCM, Embassy of Switzerland   visited on 20th February 2005.
4. Dr. Hameeda Naeem Prof. University of Kashmir, Srinagar visited on 5th April, 2005.
5. Mr. Boris Wilke Dipl-pol, Senior Research Associate SWB, German Institute visited   on 6th April, 2005.
6. Mr. Alexey, Russian Embassy visited on  6th April 2005
7. Mr. Masayuki Taga, 1st Secretary of Japan Embassy on April 18, 2005.
8. Ms. Silvia Mazzarelli, Italian student studying International Relations at the University of Rome, specializing in peace studies visited KIIR for an interview with Chairman, KIIR for her graduation thesis "Women's Role in Building Peace" on 25th April 2005.
9. Mr. Masayuki Taga First secretary of Japan embassy visited on 8th June 2005.
10. Mr. Phil Esmonde from (Oxfam)  visited on 25th June 2005.
11. Mr. Willem De. Jong and Mr. Jan Peter (MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES) visited on Ist. Sep. 2005
12. Mr. Douglas M. Johnston, Jr., President International Centre for Religion & Diplomacy, Washington DC (ICRD) visited on 24 Oct.2005.
13. Mr. Gottfried Strasser (Austrian Teacher) visited KIIR, for discussion on Earthquake relief activities on.24 oct 2005
14. Mr. Masamichi ABE, First Secretary Japan Embassy visited KIIR on November 22,2005.
15. Mr. James Rupert Correspondant of News-Day, New York visited KIIR and interviewed Chairman & Executive Director of KIIR, on 5th December 2005.
16. Ms. Heleen Vander Beek (1st Secretary Political Neatherlands Embassy) visited on December 13, 2005.
17. Mr. M. M. Mesatywa Acting High Commissioner South Africa visited on December 13, 2005.
18. Ali Raza Syed, President Kashmir Center EU visited on April 8th, 2006.
19. Mr. Masamichi ABE, 1st Secretary Japan Embassy,  visited on 12th April 2006 and 15 April 2006
20. Prof. Emilio Asti, Scholar Oriental Culture and Prof. Marco Lombardi from Italy, visited on October 31st, 2006.
21. Ms. Ina Lepel DHM Germen Embassy visited KIIR on 28th November 2006
22. Ms. Eleanor Valentine, Project Director, US AID along with Mr. M. Ismail Khan visited KIIR   ON 17TH Feb, 2007
23. Mr. Konstantin Oblensky, Deputy Head of Mission Swiss Embassy visited KIIR on 21 Feb. 2007.

Meetings

1. Chairman KIIR attended the meeting of Global Discourse on 12th January 2005.
2. Chairman KIIR, met with Ambassador of Netherlands Mr. Marcel Kupershoek at Netherlands Embassy on 10th February 2005.
3. Chairman KIIR, met with Mr. Nabi Khial at his residence and held talks about Kashmir issue on 13th February 2005.
4. Chairman & Executive Director KIIR, met Mr. Mircea HURMUZ acting Ambassador of Romania on 20th May 2005 at Embassy.
5. Chairman KIIR met Mr. Lawrence K. Robinson, Political Counselor at US Embassy on 22nd June 2005.

Activities List

1. Farewell Dinner to Mr. Peter Waterworth, Political Councelor BHC at Islamabad Club, organized by KIIR on 4th January 2005.
2. KIIR arranged visit to Muzaffarabad for Mr. Peter Boxer, Political Officer,   & Mr. Andrew Priestly from British High Commission on31st January 2005.
3. Lunch invitation for Mr. Peter Boxer, Political Officer, BHC hosted by Chairman, KIIR at Marriot Hotel on 26th February 2005.
4. Human Rights Training Program held at institute on 8th March 2005.
5. Round Table Discussion organized by KIIR at Best Western Hotel on "Initiatives After Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Bus Service" on 13th March 2005.
6. Chairman KIIR participated in Peace Building, Conflict Transformation and Post-War Rebuilding, Reconciliation and Resolution (PCTR 2005) Training Program organized by TRANSCEND in co-operation with the Peace Action, Training and Research Institute of Romania (PATRIR) and United Nations Disaster Management Training (UNDMTP) at Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
7. Dinner at Islamabad Club for KIIR participants of 61st Session of (UNCHR, Geneva) on 24th April 2005.
8. Human Rights Training Program organized by KIIR for delegation to Geneva, on 1sr & 2nd July 2005.
9. Participation by KIIR delegation in 57th Session of Commission on Human Rights, Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Geneva on 25th July to 12th August 2005.
10. Chairman & Executive Director, KIIR hosted a dinner in the honour of Belgium Parliamentarian and Media Delegation at Holiday Inn, Islamabad on 26th November 2005.
11. Chairman, KIIR participated as panelist in a seminar for participants of armed forces war course 2005/2006 on "Kashmir Issue" held in National Defence College, Islamabad, on 19th January 2006.
12. Chairman & Executive Director, KIIR, along with 12 participants from Azad Kashmir participated in "Kashmir Conflict Transformation Workshop II" organized by IMTD in Maldives, on 12th to 16th March 2006.
13. Executive Director, KIIR hosted a lunch in Islamabad Club in the honour of newly elected Speaker AJK Legislative Assembly and Chairman, KIIR on 31st August 2006.
14. Executive Director attended the Second Session of UN Human Rights Council at Geneva, on 18th September to 5th October 2006.
15. Chairman, KIIR participated in Open Court on "Provincial Autonomy and Human Security" organized by Heinrich Boll Foundation, Lahore. His presentation was on "Overall situation in Azad Kashmir" on 17th November 2006.
16. KIIR arranged a visit of diplomats and their families to Neelum Valley AJ&K on 9th & 10th June 2007
17. Executive Director had a lunch on meeting with Ms. Laura Davis, Political Officer, British High Commission on 27 th June 2007.

Invitations

• Invitation by Mr. Ryan C. Crocker, US Ambassador to Pakistan, for Chairman, KIIR, on 11th January 2005.
• Invitation for Chairman, KIIR from Reflections on Kashmir Lunchon at Jabeer Hotel, Mirpur AJK, on 15 th. January 2005.
• French DCM Mme Francoise Maylie invited Chairman, KIIR at Embassy on 2nd February 2005.
• Saba Gul Khatak, Executive Director (SPDI) invited Chairman, KIIR, for meeting at her office on 9th February 2005.
• German DHM, Mr. Christopher Sander invited Chairman, KIIR, his residence on 18th February 2005.
• Invitation from Mr. Taga, 1st Secretary of Japan Embassy for Chairman & Executive Director of KIIR for meeting with Mr. Takenari Horimoto (Shobi University Japan) on 17th March 2005.
• Invitation from Mr. Mark Lyall Grant, British High Commissioner, BHC for Chairman & Executive Director, KIIR to celebrate the Queen's Birthday on 14th April 2005.
• Chairman & Executive Director invited by Mr. Marcel Kurpershoek, Netherland's Ambassador to join in the Queen's Birthday on 2nd May 2005.

• Invitation form Mr. Christopher Sander, DCM, German Embassy for meeting with Executive Director, KIIR at German Embassy on 20th May 2005.
• Invitation from Mr. Eynulla Madatli, Ambassador Embassy of Azerbaijan for Chairman & Executive Director, KIIR to celebrate National Day of Azerbaijan on 28th May 2005.
• Invitation from Mr. Masayuki Taga, 1st Secretary, Embassy of Japan, for Chairman & Executive Director, KIIR at his residence for watching video "Hiroshima  "A Mother's Prayer" by Volunteers on 4th June 2005.
• Invitation from Mr. Nobuaki Tanaka for Chairman & Executive Director, KIIR on occasion of Japanese Self Defence Forces Day, on 30th June 2005.
• Invitation for Chairman, KIIR to attend an International Seminar organized and conducted by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES India) in Colombo, Sri Lanka on "India Pakistan, A new peace process" on 18th to 21st August 2005.
• Mr. Maxolisi Mwanda Mesatywa, Acting High Commission of South Africa, invited Chairman KIIR and Executive Director at Embassy on 20th September 2005.

• Mr. Denis Felmyer, Ambassador of Switzerland invited Chairman & Executive Director, KIIR on the occasion of the National Day of Switzerland on 20th September 2005.
• South African Acting High Commissioner M.M. Mesatywa invited Chairman, KIIR in South African Embassy on 30th November 2005.
• Deputy High Commissioner Canadian Embassy Mr. Staurt Hughes invited Chairman to exchange ideas on Rehabilitation & Reconstruction of earthquake effected areas of Azad Kashmir on 15th December 2005.
• Chairman, KIIR was invited by British High Commissioner, on 26th April 2006.
• Chairman, KIIR attended a dinner hosted by Mr. ABE, 1st Secretary, Japan Embassy, on 17th May 2006.
• Chairman & Executive Director attended a dinner invitation hosted by German Ambassador at his residence on 21st November 2006.
• Executive Director, KIIR was invited by Benjamin Canavan along with Mubashar Ikram from Political Section of US Embassy in Pakistan,for a meeting at Sarena Hotel,on 5th December 2006.
• Mr. Masayuki Taga 1st Secretary of Japan Embassy invited Executive Director KIIR for a dinner at his residence on 16 January 2007.
• German Ambassador invited Chairman and Executive Director KIIR at his residence on the visit of E.U delegation on 26th February 2007.
• Germen Ambassador Dr. Gunter Mulack invited chairman and Executive Director at the reception on 11th of April 2007 during visit of Germen member Parliament Mr.Alexender Bonde.
• Director HRD attended Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth at residence of British High Commissioner on 19th of April 2007.
• Chairman & Executive Director attended farewell from Mrs. Haleen Vander Beek at her residence at 14th june,2007.     
• The Ambassador of Japan invited Chairman & Executive Director KIIR at Self Defence Day at Sarena Hotel on 27th June, 2007

United States
KIIR delegates undertook numerous trips to the United States of America in pursuance of their motto, Peace Through Dialogue, and to encourage debate on the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue. During these visits to the United States, KIIR’s delegates held talks with several government officials, think tank and non-profit organizations, including the State Department, Henry L. Stimon Center, United States Institute of Peace, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Initiative for Change, ICRD and IMTD.

KIIR’s Chairman and Executive Director made the most of their presence at the National Prayer Breakfast in 2003 and 2004 and impressed upon international delegates, the importance of the Kashmir dispute and its national and international dimensions for regional stability and international peace.

KIIR’s Chairman and Executive Director also had the opportunity to address the International Peace Conference at Capitol Hill on 24-25th September 2004. The Kashmir American Council and International Humanitarian Lawyers organized the conference.

Canada
A KIIR delegation visited Canada in 2000 and 2003. During these visits it held meetings with South Asian experts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ottawa, and discussed the Kashmir conflict.

Austria
KIIR delegates held meetings with Austrian Parliamentarians, hailing from all political parties in Austria, in February 2000. This meeting was conducive to a fact-finding mission, sent for by the Greens Party of Austria, to both sides of the LoC. The purpose of the mission was to witness and analyze the ground realities in Kashmir, and resulted in the compilation and submission of a report to the Human Rights Committee.

Netherlands
In 2003, KIIR delegates visited the European Center for Conflict Prevention (ECCP), Uttrick, Netherlands. The delegation was briefed about the ECCP Project, ‘The Role of Civil Society in Prevention of Arms Conflict’. Subsequently, a partnership was formed between KIIR and ECCP on the Civil Society project.

The KIIR delegation also held meetings with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Netherlands Institute of International Relations.

United Kingdom
During visit of UK, KIIR delegates held productive talks with the Members of Parliament, Members of the House of Lords and the officials at the Foreign and Common Wealth office. The discussions touched upon a wide array of topics related to Kashmir, including Indo-Pak peace initiatives; the political and social climate in Indian Held Kashmir, and the role that British Government can play in facilitating the peace process and ameliorating the human rights crisis in IHK.

During the visits, the Chairman and Executive Director of KIIR visited St Ethelburga’s (Centre for Reconciliation and Peace) and discussed joint strategies to promote reconciliation among the different communities and ethnic groups in Kashmir. The Executive Director, KIIR, was also invited by the Kashmir Society at Cambridge University in February 2004 to deliver a lecture on ‘Indo-Pak Peace Initiatives and Kashmir’, which was followed by a Q&A session.

Srilanka
In November 2003, the Chairman and Executive Director, KIIR, were invited to attend the brainstorming session on ‘ The Role of Civil Society in the Prevention of Armed Conflict’ organized by the European Center for Conflict Prevention, Utrecht (Netherlands) and the Regional Center for Strategic Studies (RCSS), Colombo, Srilanka. During the brainstorming session KIIR was assigned to develop a concept paper on the role of civil society in preventing armed conflict in Kashmir.

Kathmandu
In September 2004, the concept paper developed jointly by the Chairman and Executive Director, KIIR, and highlighting the lessons learnt and illuminated the best practices to be followed in harnessing the civil society potential in the prevention of armed conflict, was presented at the South Asian Regional Meeting on the ‘Role of civil society in the prevention of Armed Conflict in South Asia’, in Kahtmandu. The meeting was organized by Regional Center for Strategic Studies, Colombo (RCSS) in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and UNDP and was attended by civil society activists from all over South Asia. Another accomplishment of this three-day long session was establishment of the South Asian Action Agenda for the World Conference, to be held at the UN headquarters in July 2005.

Pakistan and Azad Kashmir
KIIR hosted a dinner in honor of visiting US Congressmen and Senators of New Hampshire in Islamabad, which was attended by a large number of the diplomatic community. The event provided KIIR with a great opportunity to elaborate upon the situation in Kashmir on both sides of the LoC and urge the US delegation to educate their masses about humanitarian and political crisis in Kashmir. Meanwhile, Mr. Robert J. Guida, leader of the House in New Hampshire and Head of the US Delegation, in his address to the audience, assured of US support in promoting peace in the region.

The success of the event can be gauged by the establishment of an NGO ARK in the United States by Mr. Guida to raise awareness about Kashmir.

KIIR was responsible for convening a round table talk, attended by foreign diplomats, in Islamabad for the ICRD delegates (Douglas Johnston and Brian Cox) on faith-based reconciliation approaches to conflict-resolution. The presence of ICRD delegates in town enabled KIIR to facilitate a meeting between Kashmiri leaders and ICRD representatives.

Ambassador John McDonald visited AJK in years 1997 & 2000 at KIIR’s invitation. During his visits, KIIR was able to coordinate a meeting Ambassador McDonald, the Prime Minister, AJK, and the Chief Justice of High Court as well as several opposition leaders. The scope of these meetings was to garner support for peace building activities in AJK.

KIIR initiated a ‘ Visitors Forum’ in Muzafrabad to assist foreign officials in sharing their viewpoint directly to the Kashmiris. In May 2004, H.E Mark Lyall Grant, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, traveled to Muzafrabad and addressed Kashmiris on Indo-Pak Peace Initiative and Kashmir- - - - A British View Point.

KIIR had also organized a visit of diplomats to Neelum Valley, AJK in September 2004. The objective of the tour was to highlight the devastating condition of Shadra University. This historic site is a two thousand year old Buddhist University and is not only an important historic monument for the ancient Kashmiri civilization but is also an important world heritage that needs to be recognized.

KIIR coordinated Dinners every year in Ramadan to inform political leaders and the diplomatic community in Pakistan about KIIR’s activities towards strengthening the peace process.

Vienna
KIIR and the Center for Culture and Languages jointly organized a seminar in Vienna in July 2002. The theme of the seminar was ‘Kashmir: A Nuclear Flash Point’. The seminar concluded with the passage of a resolution that reiterated the urgency of resolving the Kashmir conflict, in line with the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiris, if South Asia were to escape a nuclear catastrophe.