UN Chief Asks India and Pak to Resolve Issues Through Talks
The UN chief’s spokesman said that in principle good offices of the UN chief are always available for mediation.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has ruled out any mediation to resolve the Kashmir issue unless all parties agree to it and asked India and Pakistan to address their outstanding issues through dialogue.
The UN Secretary-General's spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that in principle, the good offices of the UN chief are always available for mediation, but everyone needs to agree on involving the world body.
Asked about escalating tensions between India and Pakistan due to ongoing skirmishes and firing along the border, Dujarric said, "We're obviously aware. We're following this… what's been going on, really for the last 10 days." Asked why the Secretary-General is not so keen to involve himself in this crisis, Dujarric said, "In principle, the good offices of Guterres are always available for mediation, but everyone needs to agree on involving the UN."
"As in any issue, both parties or more than… you know, if there are multiple parties, everyone needs to agree on involving the UN. That is true of any mediation effort," Dujarric said.
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