‘UN chief could discuss Kashmir issue at UNGA’

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is likely to use the opportunity of discussions during the high-level UN General Assembly session that begins here next week to raise the Kashmir issue, the UN chief ’s spokesperson has said.

Spokesman for the Secretary-general Stephane Dujarric during the daily press briefing here on Thursday said that 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. Well, our capacity is related to good offices, and good offices can only be implemented when the parties accept it. And, on the other hand, it relates to advocacy, and the advocacy was expressed and will be maintained, Guterres said during his press conference ahead of the UN General Assembly session. Guterres was asked by a Pakistani journalist about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and what will he do to bring a solution to the Kashmir issue.