Toronto: February 25, 2010: (PCP) New Zealand believes a negotiated settlement of the Kashmir issue is a prerequisite for the people of Kashmir to enjoy peace, security and economic prosperity, writes the Honourable Murray McCully, Foreign Minister of New Zealand to Mr. Mushtaq A. Jeelani, Executive Director of Peace and Justice Forum (PJF). In his letter to Prime Minister of New Zealand John Phillip Key, Mr. Jeelani expressed serious concern about human rights situation in Indian-administered Kashmir; the failure of India and Pakistan bilateral process in resolving the festering Kashmir issue. Mr. Jeelani also urged Prime Minister Key for his help and support in finding a peacefully negotiated solution to the Kashmir issue. The Minister of Foreign Affairs says: “Thank you [Mr. Jeelani] for your [PJF] letter of 20 November [2009] to the Prime Minister [John Key] regarding the situation in Kashmir.” The Honourable Murray McCully underlines, “It is regrettable that, despite notable improvements in recent years, the situation in Kashmir remains volatile.” The Minister of Foreign Affairs further underscores, “Like the majority of the international community, the New Zealand Government continues to favour a negotiated settlement of the Kashmir conflict in a way that is acceptable to all involved parties [the people of Kashmir, India and Pakistan].” Minister McCully concludes with his observations: “This is the only solution that can bring peace, security and economic prosperity to the people of Kashmir.”