Ahead of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s UN speech, US Secretary of State John Kerry asked him to prevent terrorists from using Pakistani territory as safe havens, as he expressed strong concern over the violence in Kashmir, particularly the terror attack on an Indian army base.
Sharif raised the issue of alleged human rights violations and killings in Kashmir and sought American help to resolve the Kashmir issue.
State Department Spokesperson, John Kirby said:
The Prime Minister and Secretary Kerry expressed strong concern with recent violence in Kashmir — particularly the army base attack — and the need for all sides to reduce tensions. (Kerry) reiterated the need for Pakistan to prevent all terrorists from using Pakistani territory as safe havens, while commending recent efforts by Pakistani security forces to counter extremist violence.
In one of the deadliest attacks on the Indian Army in recent years, 18 soldiers were killed and as many others injured as heavily armed militants stormed a battalion headquarters of the force in Kashmir’s Uri town on Sunday.
Kerry also stressed the need for restraint in nuclear weapons programs.
According to a readout of the meeting by the Pakistan mission, Sharif asked the “US Administration and Secretary Kerry to use his good offices to help in resolving bilateral issues between Pakistan and India.”
(With inputs from PTI.)
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