Kashmiri leaders welcome US and Amnesty International statements.

Pro-freedom organisations and leaders have welcomed the statement of US Under Secretary of State, William Burns and the Amnesty International, on the Kashmir issue, describing it as the first step towards resolution of this longstanding dispute.

Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, Muhammad Yasin Malik, said, "The US is a common friend of both India and Pakistan and it can play a decisive role in settling the Kashmir issue." Malik, who has been under house arrest for past 10-days, told Greater Kashmir over phone.

"William Burns asking India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiris, is welcome development and a first step …