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Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Saturday said Iran is willing to mediate between Pakistan and India over the long standing issue of Kashmir, reported DawnNews.
"The bond we have with India and Pakistan is important to us, we hope for the best for both countries," said Zarif who was on a visit to New Delhi where the Heart of Asia ministerial conference is taking place.
"If Iran can be of any help to any of them, we stand ready. We are not volunteering, but we stand ready because these two neighbours are extremely important to us and we share common ideals," said the Iranian foreign minister.
Iran has also offered its assistance in reducing the tension between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, added DawnNews.
Zarif added that Iran's hopes 'to move forward to a better relation between its very dear friends, India and Pakistan'.
Read: Aziz arrives in India as Heart of Asia kicks off
The Iranian offer of mediation comes at a time when Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz is in India to attend the Heart of Asia ministerial conference.
Aziz is leading the Pakistani delegation to the meeting of the process that focuses on regional cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours to improve connectivity and tackle security threats.
Cross-border firing a new normal
Cross-border firing appears to have become a routine as tensions simmer between Pakistan and India following an alleged 'surgical strike', unrest in Kashmir and the Uri army base attack.
The Indian deputy high commissioner has been summoned to the Foreign Office several times in protest against 'unprovoked' Indian fire and loss of lives due to incidents of cross-border firing.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stepped up a drive to isolate Pakistan diplomatically after the Uri army base attack last month. Hours after the attack occurred, Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed Pakistan a 'terrorist state' and accused Pakistan of involvement.
The Uri attack occurred days before Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was set to address the United Nations General Assembly regarding Indian human rights violations in held Kashmir.
Following the attack, India claimed it had conducted a cross-border 'surgical strike' against 'launch pads of terror' in Azad Jammu and Kashmir — a claim Pakistan has strongly rejected.
Pakistan maintains that India is attempting to divert the world's attention away from atrocities committed by government forces in India-held Kashmir.
Pakistan and India have, most recently, locked horns over Kashmir since Indian forces stepped up a crackdown against protesters after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed by government forces in July.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (102) Closed
Dec 04, 2016 12:43am
We need new approaches in the name of peace and human security. Any new approaches need not be undermined.
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Dec 04, 2016 12:42am
Iran is a regional power and must play its role in brining the relationships between India and Pakistan at normal.
The role shall definitely be appreciated by the three nations.
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Dec 04, 2016 01:00am
Sir
A great and noble gesture from Iran. It proved Iranian intentions for regional peace and cooperation.
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Dec 04, 2016 01:10am
If it helps,then yes! but ultimately it is up to the leaders of our both countries to put aside their egos and find a peaceful solution to our differences.
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Dec 04, 2016 01:17am
Sincere offer, Both Governments should consider it seriously.
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Dec 04, 2016 01:26am
Yes, this would be good. Iran is a proud nation that is more developed than both India and Pakistan. A better nation than Saudi Arabia.
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Dec 04, 2016 01:33am
No mediation is necessary . Both the country need to have the right intend which is missing
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Dec 04, 2016 02:01am
Iran should save itself from USA first
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Dec 04, 2016 02:02am
This will be good work from Iran. The present situation is not good for either Pakistan or India.
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Dec 04, 2016 02:11am
India should accept it....
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Dec 04, 2016 02:11am
Thanks but no.
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Dec 04, 2016 02:14am
Not good for us
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Dec 04, 2016 02:23am
Kashmir is the problem between India and Pakistan. If Iran can help to solve it equitably, it will good for region. However, iran has to take a firm stand on its solution, otherwise it will amount to nothing.
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Dec 04, 2016 02:34am
Iran has only good intentions in mind.. this in the need of the hour.. regional connectivity and trade..
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Dec 04, 2016 02:45am
India should sincerely take up the offer. Pakistan will.
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Dec 04, 2016 02:58am
Help solve Kashmir! Everything will be settled
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Dec 04, 2016 03:06am
Iran is our brotherly neighbour country.
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Dec 04, 2016 03:16am
Can we Please let Iran try.
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Dec 04, 2016 03:25am
No thanks as you were with India last time.
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Dec 04, 2016 03:31am
Best idea I've heard in a VERY long time. Iran is the most impartial country we can find since they have very close ties to both India and Pakistan and are very friendly to both. We should've thought of this before!
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Dec 04, 2016 04:25am
Good news. Iran is a real friend of Pakistan since independence.
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Dec 04, 2016 04:28am
If Iran is willing to be an honest broker, then we should accept Javad Zarif's offer.
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Dec 04, 2016 04:52am
Love to hear that from Iran .. At least you tried
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Dec 04, 2016 05:02am
Thank you so much, Mr. Zarif!
Pakistan would love to return the favor and help Iran resolve its disputes with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar etc. etc.
Good Luck!
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Dec 04, 2016 05:19am
You are welcome.
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Dec 04, 2016 06:09am
respect agreed!
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Dec 04, 2016 07:13am
No. Thanks.
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Dec 04, 2016 07:14am
reason for making peace with india
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Dec 04, 2016 07:16am
Not going to happen. Iran will receieve a polite no thank you from India
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Dec 04, 2016 07:19am
Iran and the international community is welcome in pushing india towards a settlement of the Kashmir issue and giving kashmiris peace after decades.
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Dec 04, 2016 08:01am
Welcome
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Dec 04, 2016 08:13am
Iran offer should be welcomed, however, I'm not hopeful.
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Dec 04, 2016 08:25am
But India don't need mediation from any body.
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Dec 04, 2016 08:30am
I will not mind it
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Dec 04, 2016 08:33am
Iran feeling the heat now that Trump is president elect.
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Dec 04, 2016 09:54am
Appreciated!!!... Pakistan will be happy to see any role of Iran in normalizing the tensed situation between nuclear neighbors.
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Dec 04, 2016 09:56am
Why is Iran getting involved in this? It should only be solved directly between the two countries. No need for a 3rd party
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Dec 04, 2016 10:09am
Sign of a true friend
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Dec 04, 2016 10:13am
India has categorically stated that talks between two countries shall always be held bilaterally as per Shimla agreement and it will not accept any third party intervention. However, any possibility of talks is ruled out for a distant future due to high tension prevailing along the borders.
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Dec 04, 2016 10:31am
No thanks... We have able leaders and administration to take care of our issues.
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Dec 04, 2016 10:46am
Good diplomacy
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Dec 04, 2016 10:50am
Nice gesture. Thank u
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Dec 04, 2016 11:05am
Noble thoughts by our Iranian cousins.
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Dec 04, 2016 11:11am
It is bilateral issue and let's keep it that way
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Dec 04, 2016 11:30am
Iran is an important country for both India and Pakistan. Her offer of mediation should be va inlued. India and Pakistan both have good relations with Iran.
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Dec 04, 2016 11:36am
We welcome the Iranian initiative. I always carry an opinion that Iran is the best model Muslim country in the world. When the minister said that Iran is very close to both India and Pakistan, he spoke the truth.
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Dec 04, 2016 11:42am
India Pakistan issues can be Solved only by a win_win formula.
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Dec 04, 2016 11:48am
Most welcome; India should accept this mediation offer from Iran, because Iran is best trusted friend country.
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Dec 04, 2016 11:53am
India should accept this mediation offer from Iran; It would be advantageous.
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Dec 04, 2016 11:54am
Iran is a very trusted friend; It is the best model Muslim country in the world. Even USA respects its words.
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Dec 04, 2016 11:58am
@PakCanuck Mr. Trump is offering tosolve all problems too.
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Dec 04, 2016 12:06pm
Best to solve mutually.
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Dec 04, 2016 12:38pm
Independent countries can do whatever they want! They can play a great role in normalizing Indo Pak situation
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Dec 04, 2016 03:13pm
Iran is in deep mess with Int'l and Middle east on various issues , Wonder they have enough time for anything else ....
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Dec 04, 2016 03:34pm
Iran is not just offering this gesture out of love for either India or Pakistan. There is a very compelling reason based on geo-political developments and likely scenarios vis-a-vis Iran Nuclear program, starting in 2017.
Iranians are very shrewd and calculating. They did not survive the isolation and sanctions for 35 years without a view to long-term strategic benefits. They know that the winds are shifting in America. After Trump takes office, the US-Israeli relationship is once again going to flourish, which has been in a deep freeze under Obama administration - annoyed at Israel's continued settlement in occupied territories. And Netanyahu has no made no secret of that he would like to 'neutralize' the Iranian Nuclear program.
So Iranians want to be seen as relevant, peace-brokers and strategically important both in the Middle East (from Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and beyond) and South Asia (Afghanistan, India and Pakistan). Thereby they are maximizing their importance in the area.
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Dec 04, 2016 03:39pm
Nice gesture but no efforts will bear fruit until Kashmiris get their right of self determination.
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Dec 04, 2016 03:50pm
@Mahmood bro I may not agree with you but love your writting skills. You should try writing a blog bro. Respect.
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Dec 04, 2016 03:56pm
@Ali - Thank you for your kind words.
I've been a freelance writer in Asia, Europe and North America for over 15 years. Some of my articles have been published here at Dawn, as well as in other international publications.
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Dec 04, 2016 05:52pm
@Hyder Very good initiative by Iran. With their huge Oil and Gas reserves, Iran has a great leverage with India. India should be asked to vacate Kashmir valley forthwith and hand over to Pakistan. That is the only solution. Iran can influence India in this regard as India imports 80% of their oil consumption and Iran is one of the biggest suppliers.
If Iran uses Oil as weapon, then India will have to kneel down.
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Dec 04, 2016 05:55pm
The relationship between India and Iran is very, very old.
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Dec 04, 2016 06:02pm
@Irfan Rahim there aren't many options.
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Dec 04, 2016 06:01pm
@TM - Did you know there are over two dozen countries India could import oil from? What makes you think 'India will kneel down' because one country refuses to sell oil to India?
"India should be asked to vacate Kashmir valley forthwith and hand over to Pakistan"
And who will do the asking? Iran, the UN, US? Have they not done so already? Have the Indians and Pakistani not fought at least three wars over it? 'Vacate' as if we are talking about a rented house??
Your assessment is based on wishful thinking, which has nothing to do with reality.
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Dec 04, 2016 06:08pm
Who is asking for the help? Politicians from neither India nor Pakistan are interested in solving the issue. We only watch our people and soldiers die :-(
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Dec 04, 2016 06:30pm
First, stop helping Indians spy and terrorists to infiltrate in to Pakistan, we do not need any more help from you.
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Dec 04, 2016 07:19pm
@kings way ..That ancient relationship is also connected to Pakistan by DNA and blood(we Pakistani are mostly Indo-Iranian) as well my friend.
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Dec 04, 2016 08:05pm
Iran should first talk to India and Pakistan separately to see if there is a chance to break the stalemate.
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Dec 04, 2016 08:05pm
@Abdul;
'Iran should save itself from USA first'
Iran saved itself a generation ago when most agents of foreign influence were sent to the gallows, you need not worry about a nation whose bill of rights preceded Magna-Carta by 2000 years.
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Dec 04, 2016 08:16pm
The offer should be most welcomed. Iran enjoys balanced relations with both India and Pakistan.Iran is our neighboring Muslim country and can play a significant role in the restoration of links between India and Pakistan.
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Dec 04, 2016 08:19pm
Well come Iran the Best ever friend of Pakistan
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Dec 04, 2016 08:22pm
Iran should focus on the Saudi Arabia and the Kurds first.......Iran thinks it's some kind of a super power...for hitting us hiding behind the Russians.....please mind yer own business.......watch how in a day....Iranians will deny ever saying this
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Dec 04, 2016 08:26pm
@TM You're wrong, my friend. Days of using oil as leverage is over. It's a buyer's market now. The future for oil producers is bleak with alternative power replacing natural resources. Solar power is cheaper, cleaner and with better storage solutions being developed, will replace natural resources. The whole of Gulf living on oil wealth will return to the camel's. Wait and watch.
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Dec 04, 2016 08:33pm
Thanks Iran for the suggestion. India should also reciprocate by mediating between Iran and Saudi Arab or Iran and Israel.
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Dec 04, 2016 09:45pm
@Rama Pakistan wants it resolved, Kashmiris want it resolved, International community want it resolved...only India is the obstacle.
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Dec 04, 2016 10:52pm
Iran’s offer to mediate between Pakistan and India over the long standing issue of Kashmir is in fact a bomb-shell and a ray of hope for the Kashmiris after long period of time. Only the cheater will not accept this offer and will run away from it. Let us see who, India or Pakistan, reject it.
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Dec 04, 2016 11:28pm
It is nice of Iran to offer their services. I hope common sense will prevail.
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Dec 04, 2016 11:49pm
A gesture that should be not only appreciated but taken. This indeed is a very dificult task at this present juncture because Indian government led by Modi seems to be all set to increase tension with Pakistan because of its own failure to tackle the Kashmiri intefada.
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Dec 05, 2016 12:40am
Don't need third parties .... are Indians and Pakistanis mute, deaf and blind? or do they not speak each others languages??? In fact Iran doesn't speak any language that either the Pakistanis or Indians understand ....
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Dec 05, 2016 02:42am
I think Iran need someone to mediate between then and the world, noone cares
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Dec 05, 2016 05:15am
@Skeptic This is their intellectual capabilities that you and me enjoy.
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Dec 05, 2016 04:33pm
Pakistan does not need any help for mediation. India stance on Kashmir is wrong, period. Pakistan need not become a coward nation. It also needs to play the silent game, diplomatically the world look back on India reckless actions....Iran is only looking to be a part of CPEC and to make sure Chababar port doesnt become redundant. Dont make the mistake of allowing chababar port to become major role player.
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Dec 05, 2016 04:33pm
Iran just want to look normal and important in Pakistan ,
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Dec 05, 2016 04:40pm
@Abdul "Iran should save itself from USA first" Iran has been successful in saving itself from US for the last 35 years isn't enough to prove that Iran is a real regional power
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Dec 05, 2016 04:55pm
As per Shimla Agreement both the countries have agreed not to involve any third country to mediate bilateral issues. It will be a breach of the agreement. No matter who so ever comes to mediate, the ground realities will be same and people of both the countries are capable enough to find a solution. Missing is willingness to resolve. As of now its better to accept the status quo of Kashmir for next 25 years and concentrate on other bilateral issues. This will not only bring both the countries closer, also create trust to resolve Kashmir issue later. Finally peace will prevail. Is there any taker?
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Dec 05, 2016 05:03pm
That would be good. If neighbours can sit on a table and discuss their issues with equality and without involvement of an 'outsiders'. I think Tehran can play a neutral role.
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Dec 05, 2016 05:34pm
@Li-N-Ja HIGHLY APPRECIATE ...AGREES WITH EVERY POINT.
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Dec 05, 2016 05:37pm
The only reason why Iran has or had distanced itself from Pakistan was US otherwise Iran has good intentions and relations with Pakistan.
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Dec 05, 2016 05:38pm
Iran understand that India, Pakistan and Iran and including Afghanistan have to trade and have good relations.
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Dec 05, 2016 05:42pm
Iran has always opted for peaceful solutions and has been allways targeted for year's by US ,Israel and Saudi Arabia .
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Dec 05, 2016 05:43pm
Iran has been unfairly demonised by Saudi Arabia and US sanctions where a measure for interests of Israel.
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Dec 05, 2016 05:44pm
Pakistan should improve relations with Iran .
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Dec 05, 2016 05:46pm
Without Iran , Pakistan have no say or friendship in Afghanistan & India and in Russia to some extent.
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Dec 05, 2016 05:49pm
Its high time" Pakistan tried the rest (Saudi Arabia) now try the best (Iran)
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Dec 05, 2016 07:19pm
@Li-N-Ja .....Shimla Agreement called on India and Pakistan to resolve disputes bilaterally and peacefully. Unfortunately, leaders of both the countries "failed" to resolve anything. They failed to live up to the spirit of Shimla Agreement and have betrayed the people of both the countries.
India and Pakistan "defied" the world by acquiring nuclear weapons. The world can't ignore this and risk a nuclear war. Therefore, a mediator has become a necessity. This should be held under the United Nations, as UN Security Council Kashmir Resolutions remain pending due to India's failure to honor the pledge given by Prime Minister Nehru to the world.
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Dec 06, 2016 01:30am
@Abdul Go through history archives of last 35 years and see for yourself if Iran has saved itself from the US!
Iran is the only muslim country that takes a clear stand against US even today.
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Dec 06, 2016 05:39am
No need for third party. India and pakistan can solve if pakistan was to move out of Kashmir as per United nations agreement.
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Dec 06, 2016 08:39am
As iran is neutral welcome. But without interferring india's internal affairs.
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Dec 06, 2016 10:35am
Need of the hour
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Dec 06, 2016 10:41am
well Appreciated !!! The Iran is an important strategic partner for regional cooperation countries in this region her offer for Mediation should be welcomed. The both countries should come out of this hostile environment by the help of diplomatic support and cooperation of Iran for the regional peace and stability . The Iran has been an important Strategic partner for regional cooperation her strategic diplomatic efforts should be welcomed and appreciated for strengthening the regional stability in this region for normalizing the good Relationship between India and Pakistan. India should also accept the meditation offer of Iran for normalizing the situation for regional peace and friendly relationship. Iran Diplomatic efforts should be appreciated and welcomed from both countries for peacefully Negotiations.
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Dec 06, 2016 10:45am
But the main point is that when Pakistan is going to mediate between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
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Dec 06, 2016 10:59am
Good move by Iran. Hope for the best.
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Dec 06, 2016 03:34pm
Kashmir: Trump has made an offer to mediate on the issue. Iran has offered the same. Pakistan will accept mediation from either or both, but will India?
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Dec 06, 2016 03:57pm
Both countries are too entrenched in their respective ideas regarding Kashmir and not willing to move an inch from those stated stands. There is one simple solution that has been doing the circles on both sides, that is to convert the present LOC into a permanent border. Can this ever happen......only time will tell.
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