Geneva: The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, today, said that both India and Pakistan must solve the Kashmir issue bilaterally and said that the international body stands by the Simla Agreement of 1972 which stipulates bilateral talks to solve the Kashmir issue.
UN chief’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric said, “His (Antonio Guterres) message to all of them has been the same, both publicly and privately, that he remains very concerned about any potential escalation between India and Pakistan over the situation. He appeals to both sides to deal with the issue through dialogue.”
When asked if the UN chief will mediate between the countries, the spokesperson said that as a matter of principle the UN’s position on mediation remained the same.
The UN’s position was reiterated last month when Pakistan approached it for intervention. The international body said that the Kashmir issue must be solved on the basis of 1972 Simla Agreement which rejects third party intervention.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met with Antonio Guterres last month in France during the G7 Summit.
Though, Pakistan had approached UN twice for an international intervention in Kashmir, the country failed to achieve its objectives.
