India-Pak talks must to solve Kashmir: UN chief
September 19, 2019 00:14
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on
Wednesday asserted that 'dialogue' between India and Pakistan is an 'absolute essential element' for resolving the Kashmir issue.
"Our
capacity is related to good offices and good offices can only be
implemented when the parties accept it. On the other hand, it relates to
advocacy. The advocacy was expressed and will be maintained," Guterres
told a press conference at the UN headquarters.
The UN chief was asked
about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and what will he do to bring a
solution to the Kashmir issue.
"I go on with a clear opinion that
human rights must be fully respected in the territory and I go on with
the clear opinion that dialogue between India and Pakistan is an
absolute essential element for the solution of the problem," he said.
India has always maintained that the Kashmir issue is an internal matter
and there is no need for a third-party mediation, including either from
the UN or the United States.
The UN Secretary General has also repeatedly
asserted that his good offices are available only if both India and
Pakistan ask for it.
India revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status
on August 5 and bifurcated it into two union territories.
Reacting to
India's move on Kashmir, Pakistan downgraded diplomatic ties with New
Delhi and expelled the Indian High Commissioner.
Pakistan has been
trying to internationalise the Kashmir issue but India has asserted that
the abrogation of Article 370 was its 'internal matter' and also asked
Islamabad to accept the reality and stop its anti-India rhetoric. -- PTI