Kashmir dispute: Johnson calls for end to violence, says UK can't become mediator

British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson Thursday called for an end to the violence in Indian-held Kashmir, urging both Pakistan and India to exercise restraint and maintain a "positive" dialogue. He stated this while speaking at a joint news conference along with Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz after a bilateral meeting, as the British Foreign Secretary arrived here on a two-day official visit.
Responding to a question about the absence of clear condemnation of the Indian security forces' human rights violations in the Occupied Jammu and Kashmir from the Western countries, Secretary Johnson reiterated his country's longstanding position on the issue of Kashmir, saying it is for Pakistan and India to find a lasting solution to situation in Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
However, he said that it is not for the UK "to prescribe a solution or act as a mediator" for the resolution of Kashmir dispute. He said that the UK encourages both the sides to maintain a positive dialogue. "Of course, we are concerned about the recent incidents on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC). In Kashmir, we call for an end to the violence and both sides should exercise restraint," he added.
Speaking on the economic co-operation between Pakistan and the UK, he said that it is vital to encourage trade and commercial-economic interpenetration between the two countries. "I do think, there is a big opportunity here [Pakistan]. Consider the size of Pakistan's fast growing economy, [and] look at the size of the UK economy. We can do so much better than 2.5 billion pounds a year of bilateral trade and we will do better," he said, adding that they have decided to work together to achieve that and also to create maximum opportunities in months and the years ahead.
He said the two sides have agreed to launch a programme of business engagement focusing not just on the Enhanced Strategic Dialogue, but also on the opportunities presented by celebrations of Pakistan's 70th anniversary next year. The British Foreign Secretary said his country is looking forward to enhancing strategic partnership, especially in areas of education, security, trade and culture. He said it is important for the two countries to work together for security and stability of the entire region.
He pointed out that there is vast potential to increase the bilateral trade to the mutual benefit of the two countries. Responding to another query about the US President-elect's statement to reconsider defending Nato allies, he backed the US President-elect on his stance, saying he is 'quite right' that other Nato countries should be paying the right share for support of the military alliance. He said that the UK is the second biggest contributor in terms of money, adding there is a need for a stronger Nato alliance.
Speaking on the occasion, the Adviser welcomed the visiting British Foreign Secretary and stated that the two sides in the meeting discussed regional and global issues, especially the tension between Pakistan and India.
He said that Secretary Johnson expressed concerns over the situation and hoped that the two sides would resume talks. He further stated that the two countries have been co-operating under the framework of Enhanced Strategic Dialogue since 2011. He said the two sides have already agreed to three new roadmaps on trade and investment, culture and education, and security, adding both the countries have also been discussing a multi-year development co-operation framework.
He appreciated the assistance and support of the UK to Pakistan in key areas, specifically in education and health sectors. The Adviser said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has extended an invitation to his British counterpart to visit Pakistan next year.
Responding to a query, he said that Pakistan's delegation briefed the British side about increasing tension on the Line of Control. Pakistan emphasised the need for dialogue with India; otherwise, these issues would become more serious.
Earlier, during the meeting with Sartaj Aziz, the visiting British Foreign Secretary said that he is excited to be in Pakistan. Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria quoted Johnson as saying that he wants to further consolidate "rock solid" friendship between the two countries. "The UK appreciates Pakistan's extraordinary economic potential and exuberant youth population...I want to concentrate on boosting trade and investment between the two countries and build confidence of British investors in Pakistan's market," Johnson was further quoted as having said during the meeting. The spokesperson further said that the British Foreign Secretary also stated that the British government acknowledges Pakistan's sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and fully understands the situation.
According to a press release issued after the meeting, the two sides reviewed the progress of bilateral co-operation in the areas of common interest and reiterated their commitment to further strengthening this relationship by increasing trade, promoting investment and creating greater opportunities for cultural co-operation. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the progress of the Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD) which sets out the priority areas for co-operation, including trade and investment, culture and education and security. It was agreed to intensify efforts to further strengthen co-operation under this framework.
The two sides also discussed regional and global issues. The Adviser briefed Boris Johnson about the current situation in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the massive human rights violations being committed against innocent Kashmiris. The importance of the UK's role in reducing tension between Pakistan and India was also underscored. The British Foreign Secretary called for early resumption of dialogue and the need for de-escalation of tension between Pakistan and India.