UN chief Guterres encouraged by India, Pak move on ceasefire
DIRECTOR GENERALS of Military Operations of India and Pakistan held discussions over the established mechanism of hotline contact. The two sides reviewed the situation along the Line of Control and all other sectors in a free, frank and cordial atmosphere.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has welcomed Thursday’s Indo-Pak agreement on the “strict observance” of the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC), hoping that “this positive step will provide an opportunity for further dialogue”.
A spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General said, “The SecretaryGeneral is encouraged by the joint statement issued by the militaries of India and Pakistan on their agreement to observing the ceasefire at the Line of Control in Kashmir and engaging through established mechanisms. He hopes that this positive step will provide an opportunity for further dialogue.”
India had on Thursday evening also said it “desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan” and has “always maintained that we (India) are committed to addressing issues, if any, in a peaceful bilateral manner”.
Asked whether this was the start of the resumption of the Indo-Pak peace process, New Delhi, however had merely said that “on key issues, our position remains unchanged”.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, both countries had said, “The Director Generals of Military Operations of
India and Pakistan held discussions over the established mechanism of hotline contact. The two sides reviewed the situation along the Line of Control and all other sectors in a free, frank and cordial atmosphere. In the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders, the two DGsMO agreed to address each other’s core issues and concerns which have propensity to disturb peace and lead to violence. Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight 24/25 February 2021. Both sides reiterated that existing mechanisms of hotline contact and border flag meetings will be utilised to resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding.”