Pakistan and India can resolve their issues only through dialogue: PM
Nawaz Sharif says UN resolutions have primary importance in the resolution of Kashmir issue
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday reiterated that Pakistan and India can resolve their issues only through dialogue, Radio Pakistan reported.
In a meeting with a two-member delegation of US senators Tim Kaine and Angus King in Islamabad, Nawaz said that “the UN resolutions have primary importance in the resolution of Kashmir issue.”
The premier urged the United Nations to ensure implementation of its resolutions on Kashmir.
“The Kashmir issue should be resolved according to the aspirations of Kashmiris,” he asserted.
Nawaz also lauded US support for Dasu and Bhasha dam projects and said trade is Pakistan’s priority in relations with the US.
“Enhancing mutual trade with US is Pakistan's top priority in bilateral relationships.”
Further, Nawaz told the delegation that Pakistan has seen improvement in its economic indicators and asked for better market access for Pakistani products in the US.
Pakistan conveys concern over border clashes to US delegation
Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz conveyed on Pakistan’s concern over the security situation at the Line of Control, according to a foreign ministry statement.
Aziz was meeting with a two-member delegation of US senators Tim Kaine and Angus King in Islamabad. A number of issues including Pakistan’s relations with the US, and the regional situation were discussed in the meeting.
Aziz once again asserted Pakistan’s approach of seeking peace in the neighbourhood as border clashes, one of the worst since the two neighbours agreed to a landmark ceasefire deal in 2003, resumed once again following a lull after days of heavy firing and mortar shelling.
Earlier, Aziz said that officials from UNMOGIP, a UN observation team, were going to the disputed border to observe the ceasefire violations.
He also appealed to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday for assistance in solving the long-running dispute with India over the status of Kashmir, according to a press release.
“We cannot draw a veil on the issue of Kashmir, until it is addressed in accordance with the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The prime minister had also reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to work for resolution of this issue through negotiations,” said Aziz, adding that India had adopted a policy that runs counter to its stated desire to engage in a serious bilateral dialogue with Pakistan.
Aziz also revived Pakistan’s demand for Kashmiris to be allowed to hold a plebiscite to decide the region’s future, as called for by a UN resolution adopted in 1948. India has long opposed a plebiscite.
Further, in the meeting the adviser also highlighted the steps taken by the government for economic revival and good governance.
“The senators appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to curb terrorism and acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan in this regard,” the statement read.
The delegation and adviser agreed that the root cause of terrorism must also be addressed for a long-term solution of the problem.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday reiterated that Pakistan and India can resolve their issues only through dialogue, Radio Pakistan reported.
In a meeting with a two-member delegation of US senators Tim Kaine and Angus King in Islamabad, Nawaz said that “the UN resolutions have primary importance in the resolution of Kashmir issue.”
The premier urged the United Nations to ensure implementation of its resolutions on Kashmir.
“The Kashmir issue should be resolved according to the aspirations of Kashmiris,” he asserted.
Nawaz also lauded US support for Dasu and Bhasha dam projects and said trade is Pakistan’s priority in relations with the US.
“Enhancing mutual trade with US is Pakistan's top priority in bilateral relationships.”
Further, Nawaz told the delegation that Pakistan has seen improvement in its economic indicators and asked for better market access for Pakistani products in the US.
Pakistan conveys concern over border clashes to US delegation
Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz conveyed on Pakistan’s concern over the security situation at the Line of Control, according to a foreign ministry statement.
Aziz was meeting with a two-member delegation of US senators Tim Kaine and Angus King in Islamabad. A number of issues including Pakistan’s relations with the US, and the regional situation were discussed in the meeting.
Aziz once again asserted Pakistan’s approach of seeking peace in the neighbourhood as border clashes, one of the worst since the two neighbours agreed to a landmark ceasefire deal in 2003, resumed once again following a lull after days of heavy firing and mortar shelling.
Earlier, Aziz said that officials from UNMOGIP, a UN observation team, were going to the disputed border to observe the ceasefire violations.
He also appealed to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday for assistance in solving the long-running dispute with India over the status of Kashmir, according to a press release.
“We cannot draw a veil on the issue of Kashmir, until it is addressed in accordance with the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The prime minister had also reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to work for resolution of this issue through negotiations,” said Aziz, adding that India had adopted a policy that runs counter to its stated desire to engage in a serious bilateral dialogue with Pakistan.
Aziz also revived Pakistan’s demand for Kashmiris to be allowed to hold a plebiscite to decide the region’s future, as called for by a UN resolution adopted in 1948. India has long opposed a plebiscite.
Further, in the meeting the adviser also highlighted the steps taken by the government for economic revival and good governance.
“The senators appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to curb terrorism and acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan in this regard,” the statement read.
The delegation and adviser agreed that the root cause of terrorism must also be addressed for a long-term solution of the problem.