UN Chief offers mediation between Pakistan, India for defusing tensions
- By Web Desk -
- Feb 28, 2019
NEW YORK: Expressing deep concerns over increasing escalation between Pakistan and India, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday offered mediation between both countries for defusing the tensions.
The UN chief’s Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, in response to a question at the regular briefing at UN Headquarters said his good offices remain available if both sides agree.
The spokesman said the secretary general has spoken to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in this regard.
The UN chief has appealed to both sides to urgently take steps to defuse the tensions through meaningful mutual engagement and meet their responsibilities to maintain peace and stability in the region.
On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in his telephonic conversation with the UN secretary general apprised him about the latest situation of regional peace in the aftermath of Indian aggression.
Read more: Indian aggression: FM Qureshi writes letter to UN chief
Qureshi said Pakistan is a peace loving country and exercising restraint to defuse the tension, but as a sovereign state, it reserves the right to retaliate strong in case of any cross border aggression.
Tensions between both the countries are increasing after LoC’s violation by the Indian aircrafts following the Pulwama attack.
Pakistan reacting strong on the violation, struck down two of IAF warplanes and arrested a pilot in retribution.