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Thursday, August 15, 2013


Let’s defuse tension, move forward: Nawaz

* PM says Pakistan will continue to respond to situation on LoC with restraint and responsibility in hope that India will take steps to reduce tensions

ISLAMABAD: Expressing concern over tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Wednesday his country would respond with restraint and responsibility, and hoped that India would also take steps to reduce tensions.

Addressing a press conference along with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the PM’s House, Nawaz said Pakistan was trying to work for peace and stability in the region.

“It will be my endeavour to explore all avenues to ease tension with India, start dialogue, address outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, and promote trade and commerce,” he told reporters.

The prime minister said the Jammu and Kashmir dispute was the longest outstanding issue on the UN agenda and Pakistan sought its just and peaceful resolution in accordance with UN resolutions.

“We hope that the UN will play its due role in resolving the Kashmir dispute.”

He added, “The escalation of tensions along LoC is a matter of concern for us and the secretary general. Pakistan will continue to respond to the situation with restraint and responsibility.”

“We hope that steps will be taken by India to help reduce tensions,” he said.

“We have to diffuse tension and de-escalate the situation. Our objective and what we need is more diplomacy,” Nawaz said.

The secretary general said he “wholeheartedly welcomes all efforts to tackle serious challenges at home and strengthen relations with your neighbours”.

Nawaz also said Pakistan would work for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and give all assistance for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. “I have also discussed with the secretary general ways to combat terrorism. In this regard, we would also like to harness the United Nations’ strengths,” the prime minister said. He said Pakistan had paid an enormous price and thousands had sacrificed their lives to make their country safe.

The prime minister said he had “a very good, productive meeting” with Ban Ki-moon and described him as a friend of Pakistan. He said Pakistan had always supported the United Nations’ efforts to maintain international peace and security and since 1960, it had been contributing troops to the UN peacekeeping.

He said since independence Pakistan had always backed the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

The secretary general said the United Nations would be pleased to support Pakistan in the fight against terrorism.

“I assured the prime minister that the United Nations will continue to support Pakistan in this fight and in efforts to promote tolerance, understanding and respect for all people,” he said.

Nawaz also shared the secretary general’s commitment to education, sustainable energy, and food security as well as human rights, especially for women, children and minorities.

Ban Ki-moon also greeted the people and government of Pakistan on its 66th Independence Day. He lauded the first democratic transition between the two civilian governments and hoped the new government would further deepen its strong bonds with the United Nations.

Ban Ki-moon also referred to the numerous challenges Pakistan was facing, including its vulnerability to climate change and said Pakistan was a global leader in UN’s drive for sustainable energy for all.

In this regard, he extended the UN’s full support to help it better cope with natural disasters. app

Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk


 

 

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