UN secy gen likely to raise Kashmir issue

ANTONIO GUTERRES HAS EMPHASISED THAT ‘DIALOGUE’ BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN IS AN ‘ESSENTIAL ELEMENT’ TO REACH A SOLUTION ON THE KASHMIR ISSUE

UNITEDNATIONS: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is likely to raise the Kashmir issue and the human rights situation in the Valley during discussions at the high-level UN General Assembly session that begins here next week, his spokesperson has said.

The Secretary-general’s Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric during the daily press briefing here on Thursday said the UN chief has underscored the need for dialogue as the only way to resolve the issue and, “as part of the solution for the current crisis in Kashmir, to make sure that human rights aspects are very much dealt with, as well.” “…On Kashmir, the Secretary General… has said previously, he remains engaged. I think he will also use the opportunity of discussions during the General Assembly to raise it,” Dujarric said, responding to a question on the situation in Kashmir.

On Wednesday, Guterres emphasised that “dialogue” between India and Pakistan is an “absolute essential element” for reaching a solution on the Kashmir issue, and said his good offices are available should both sides ask for it and called for full respect of human rights.

The UN Secretary General has repeatedly asserted that his good offices are available only if both sides ask for it. Tension between India and Pakistan escalated after New Delhi revoked J&K’S special status on August 5. Pakistan has 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 its decision was its “internal matter”.