New York: A dialogue between India and Pakistan is an “absolutely essential element” for resolving the Kashmir dispute said United Nations Chief Antonio Guterres on Thursday.
When asked about the lockdown in the region post the abrogation of Article 370, Guterres said, “Well, our capacity is related to good offices, and good offices can only be implemented when the parties accept it. And, on the other hand, it relates to advocacy, and the advocacy was expressed and will be maintained.”
“I go on with the clear opinion that human rights must be fully respected in the territory, and I go on with the clear opinion that dialogue between India and Pakistan is an absolutely essential element for the solution of the problem,” he added.
Guterres’s statement comes ahead of the UN General Assembly session whereby Pakistan has reiterated that it would raise the Kashmir issue.