Annan condemns Kashmir massacre, calls on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint

The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, today strongly condemned a massacre that occurred over the weekend in southern Kashmir, where dozens of people, many of them women and children, were killed.

"This indiscriminate act of terrorism is a transparent attempt to heighten tensions in the region," a spokesperson for Mr. Annan said in a statement released in New York. "The Secretary-General continues to call on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and encourage them to resolve their differences, including over Kashmir, by peaceful means."

Mr. Annan offered his "heartfelt condolences" to the bereaved families of the victims, the spokesperson added.