India and Pakistan have both committed, in principle, to work out their differences
and construct a lasting peace in the Asian subcontinent. However, the history
of diplomacy between these two nations has been difficult.
In the months following the agreement to start the diplomatic tensions have
risen. In the last week two major events have rocked India and Pakistan. First,
an Islamic fundamentalist terrorist attack on Indian position in Kashmir sparked
the largest exchange of artillery and gunfire in the recent years. Second, in
response to India's attack on Pakistani troops, Pakistan launched a missile
test of its next generation missle, proving to India and the world that it could
hit all major Indian cities with nuclear weapons. Three days later, India conducted
its own missile test.
In both countries large scale protests were held to condemn the actions of the
other nation. In India the protests turned to riots and several Muslim communities
were burnt.
India has condemed Pakistan's support of terrorism and timing of the missle
test, while Pakistan questioned India's support of the peace process. Despite
the rhetoric, United Nation officials have received indications that both sides
are still willing to continue with the peace process.
The United Nations has recommended that the best way to continue, is to first
defuse the current crisis. Based upon the history, each group is to create a
position paper evaluating and outlining it's position on the issues behind the
current crisis.
Position Paper Process
