United Nations:
United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres on Monday expressed concern over the tension between India and Pakistan, which was on its highest “in years and called for” steps back from maximum restraint and verge “.
“Don’t make any mistake: a military solution is not a solution,” Guterres said in a brief statement.
Guterres offered both governments to their “good offices” in the service of peace. He said, “The United Nations is ready to support any initiative that promotes renewed commitment to de-size, diplomacy and peace,” he said.
His comment began before Islamabad demanded an emergency meeting on India-Pakistan in a closed consultation of the United Nations Security Council.
Gutres said, “The tension between India and Pakistan is at the highest level in the years. I am deeply respected and deeply grateful to the government and the people of both countries – and their significant contribution to the United Nations work, at least not the United Nations peace system,” said.
“And so it hurts me to see the relationship while reaching a boiling point,” he said.
Guterres said that he understands “raw sentiments” after “terrible terrorist attacks” in Pahalgam on 22 April and again condemns that attack, “It is unacceptable to increase his condolences to citizens who target citizens – and those responsible should be brought to justice through reliable and valid means,” said.
“It is also necessary – especially in this important hour – to avoid a military collision that can easily get out of control,” Gutres said.
“Now is the time to step back from maximum restraint and verge,” he said.
Relations between India and Pakistan killed 26 people after the Pahalgam attack, most of the tourists.
India announced punitive measures against Pakistan, in which the Indus Water Treaty was suspended, the only operation in Attari was discontinued and demolished diplomatic relations after the terrorist attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India is committed to taking “firm and decisive” action against terrorists and their supporters.
Modi also told the top defense brass that the armed forces have “complete operational freedom” to take the mode, target and time decision of India’s response to the attack.
Amid fierce tension, Pakistan requested a closed consultation on the situation and the Greek Presidency has set a meeting for May 5 in the afternoon.
Pakistan currently sits as a non-established member of the powerful 15-Nation Security Council, which is being chaired by Greece for the month of May.
In addition to five veto-fielding members, 10 non-established members in France, Russia, UK and USA are Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leon, Slovenia and Somalia.
In the following weeks after the Pahalgam attack, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with all the members of the council except China and Pakistan. He also talked with Guterres.
In his call, Jaishankar underlined that “its criminals, backers and planners should be brought to justice.” Last Friday, a permanent representative of Pakistan’s United Nations Ambassador Asim Ifatikhar Ahmed said at a UN press conference that his country has the right to call a meeting “when we feel appropriate”.
He said that the situation developed after the Pahalgam attack is a real threat to regional and international peace and security.
The closed-door meeting will not be held in the UNSC Chamber, where the members of the council sit on the powerful horse-shout, but in a counseling room next to the chamber.
Last week, Ahmed met Guterres and informed him about the security situation in the region.
Guterres also spoke to Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif last week.
(Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is published by a syndicated feed.)
