EU, Germany for de-escalation in Pak-India tensions

EU policy always to promote dialogue between Pakistan, India: Federica Mogherini

The European Union and Germany have urged Pakistan and India to take immediate steps to de-escalate the heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, Radio Pakistan reported.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday spoke to his German counterpart Heiko Maas and European Union Representative for Foreign Relations and Security Policy Federica Mogherini.

The foreign minister said that despite unfounded allegations and provocative statements from India, Pakistan demonstrated utmost restraint and asked New Delhi to provide evidence for an investigation into the Pulwama attack.

UN urges India, Pakistan to defuse tensions

While appreciating the early commitment of Prime Minister Imran Khan to reach out to India, Federica Mogherini stressed the urgency to de-escalate the situation and confirmed that the European Union was also in contact with Indian counterparts.

"The European Union’s policy has always been to promote a dialogue between Pakistan and India to sort out differences," said Mogherini.

She also highlighted the need to "continue addressing terrorism including clear and sustained actions targeting not only all United Nations-listed transnational terrorist groups but also individuals claiming responsibility for such attacks".

Last week, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres also called on India and Pakistan to take immediate steps to defuse tensions and offered to help broker a solution if both sides agree to UN mediation.

Pakistan and India have been locked in a diplomatic clash following a suicide attack on February 14 in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK) that killed over 40 Indian security personnel.

FM puts off Japan visit

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also telephoned his Japanese counterpart, Taro Kono, on Monday and apprised him about the reasons for postponing his visit to Japan.

Qureshi said the situation in South Asia after the Pulwama incident was dangerously tense and it was essential for him remain in Pakistan.

Both ministers agreed to reschedule the visit at the earliest.