Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, spoke to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, on telephone last night. They discussed the situation along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and the Working Boundary between Pakistan and India. Earlier, on 11 October, the Adviser had addressed a letter to the Secretary-General on the situation arising from the cease-fire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary by the Indian armed forces over the past weeks.
The Adviser briefed the Secretary-General on the frequency and intensity of unprovoked and indiscriminate firing and shelling by the Indian forces and the resulting civilian casualties, injuries and damage to property.
The Adviser noted that Pakistan was fully united and determined to thwart any aggression, and had responded to India's provocations with utmost restraint and responsibility. India should be advised to adopt a mature and reasonable approach.
The Secretary-General reiterated his concern on the escalation of violence along the LoC and deplored the loss of lives. He emphasised the importance of both sides taking necessary steps to de-escalate the situation and resolve all outstanding issues through negotiations.
Reiterating Pakistan's policy of good-neighbourly relations, the Adviser underlined the need for early restoration of peace and tranquillity on the Line of Control and the Working Boundary. He said that in the interest of durable peace in the region, there must also be a way forward for resolving outstanding disputes, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir, on which the United Nations itself has permanent responsibility to implement its own resolutions that promised self-determination to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Adviser noted that settlement of disputes was a cardinal principle of the UN Charter to which Pakistan was deeply committed. However, progress required co-operation of both sides. Rejecting bilateral dialogue and denying international engagement and legitimacy were unhelpful and counter-productive.
The Adviser emphasised the important role of the United Nations to help address the situation and prevent further escalation. Appreciating the work of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), the Adviser noted that its role should be further strengthened to facilitate more effective monitoring and reporting of cease-fire violations. UN's engagement would add to its credibility in managing crisis situations, the Adviser underlined. He said that the UN should not be inhibited by non-co-operation of one side.-PR
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