Trump reiterates offer to mediate Kashmir dispute

I have a very good relation with Prime Minister Imran Khan, says US president

US President Donald Trump who is on a two-day official trip to India has reiterated his offer to mediate Kashmir dispute.

“Willing to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir,” he was quoted as saying during the press conference on Tuesday.

I have a good relationship with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Kashmir has been a thorn in the back for both sides. I am ready to help, to mediate.
THERE ARE TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY- US President Donald Trump In India about Pakistan & Kashmir.https://t.co/cEtCx09qSi

— Musa Virk (@MusaNV18) February 25, 2020

He said terrorism is a problem but "I have a very good relation with Prime Minister Imran Khan”.

This is the third time that Trump has offered both nuclear armed neighbours to help resolve the long-standing Kashmir conflict.

During PM Imran’s July last year trip to Washington, the US president had offered to play mediator between the two South Asian nuclear rivals.

The offer was met by an uproar in India’s parliament and New Delhi stating that the issue of Kashmir was an internal issue.

Subsequently, in August last year Modi-led government revoked the special status of Occupied Kashmir in a rushed presidential decree and imposed severe restrictions including curfew and communication blockade.

The region remains under siege ever since with a complete information and communication blockade, while top local political leaders are in detention. The Modi government is now reluctantly easing the draconian curbs after drawing flak from the international community.

On Monday, the US president said his administration is hopeful for “reduced tensions and greater stability” between Pakistan and India. “Our relationship with Pakistan is a very good one. Thanks to these efforts, we are beginning to see signs of big progress with Pakistan.”

Trump said while addressing a mammoth crowd of more than 100,000 people at the opening of the world’s largest cricket stadium in the western state of Gujarat, shortly after his arrival to India on a two-day visit.

“We are hopeful for reduced tensions, greater stability and the future of harmony for all of the nations of South Asia,” he said, adding that the US is working with Pakistan in a very positive way in fight against terrorism.

More to follow..