United Nations, Jun 22 : UN chief Ban-Ki-moon today said the Kashmir issue needs to be resolved peacefully through dialogue between India and Pakistan, and that he would discuss with leaders of both countries on how he can help in the process.
Following his election as Secretary General of the United Nations for a second term, Ban indicated he was willing to help India and Pakistan find a solution to the Kashmir issue.
“I will have opportunities in the future as in the past... I will discuss the matter with leaders of both India and Pakistan, how we can help or how this issue could resolved peacefully through dialogue,” Ban told a press conference here.
For several months during Ban's first term, the Kashmir Valley had witnessed immense unrest leading to protests, long curfews and many deaths.
Earlier this year, India and Pakistan agreed to resume their comprehensive dialogue, with Kashmir on the agenda.
Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao is in Islamabad for two-day talks with her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir, during which the two sides are expected to discuss a number of issues including Kashmir.
Ban said he was aware of the ongoing talks on Kashmir and he urged both countries to resolve the issue peacefully. “I am aware of the positions of both India and Pakistan, and India and Pakistan leaders,” Ban said in response to a question from PTI.
“I understand there is going to be one (meeting) soon... All these issues should be resolved peacefully through dialogue between the two governments,” he said. PTI
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