Expressing deep concern over the escalating situation between India and Pakistan, UN chief Antonio Guterres stands ready to support any initiatives, acceptable to both parties, for “de-escalation” and “resumption of dialogue”, his office has said. According to Kashmir Media Service, the Secretary-General “remains deeply concerned about the situation between India and Pakistan. He strongly urges both Governments to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any escalation,” a statement by the office of his spokesperson said. 

Guterres “reaffirms his firm belief that even the most challenging issues can be resolved peacefully through meaningful and constructive dialogue. He stands ready to support any initiatives, acceptable to both parties, that promote de-escalation and the resumption of dialogue.”  Guterres said he is following the situation between India and Pakistan “very closely and with very great concern” and has appealed to both governments to exercise maximum restraint and to ensure there is no further deterioration. 

The statement further noted that the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) “has no presence in the area where the attack happened and continues to implement its mandate of observing developments pertaining to and supervising the strict observance of the 1971 ceasefire along the Line of Control.” 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)