UN chief calls for talks

Published December 20, 2001

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 19: United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has urged India and Pakistan to resolve their differences through diplomacy and dialogue without resorting to war.

Speaking at his year end press conference on Wednesday, he said: “I have always encouraged parties to resolve the issues through dialogue and political means as there is no military solutions to differences that divide them.”

Replying to a question on the tension between the two countries, he expressed the hope that whatever happened does not lead to war.

When asked whether he could get directly intervene, he noted the Indian government had said diplomatic option is on the table and hoped this option is going to be considered.

He expressed his confidence that it would be possible for India and Pakistan to find a way out of this without resorting to war.

Opinion

Editorial

Approaching budget
Updated 10 Jun, 2024

Approaching budget

Many are sceptical of the premier and finmin of translating their words into well-defined actions in the budget. Will they prove their doubters wrong?
A fresh start?
10 Jun, 2024

A fresh start?

After a decade of acrimony and mistrust, it is natural to tread carefully. But the ball is in India’s court. Backchannel and Track II diplomacy can be revived.
Hidden cams
10 Jun, 2024

Hidden cams

THE Digital Rights Foundation has drawn attention to a disturbing trend that seems to only be ballooning instead of...
Enduring friendship
Updated 09 Jun, 2024

Enduring friendship

Pakistan will have to deliver on its promises to China of fool-proof security, and crack down on corruption.
Silencing dissent
Updated 09 Jun, 2024

Silencing dissent

Reports of an internet firewall, which reportedly aims to replicate the Great Firewall deployed by China to police internet traffic, are alarming.
Minors for sale
09 Jun, 2024

Minors for sale

THE curse of human trade has a doubly odious form — child trafficking. Pakistan, too, is haunted by this ugly...