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ISLAMABAD, Jan 24: United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Thursday called for initiation of sustained dialogue between India and Pakistan for resolving Kashmir and other outstanding issues rather than attending only to the immediate crisis.
“The de-escalation and resolving the immediate crisis is not enough; the world does not want another crisis in a few weeks or a few months time,” Mr Annan told a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar.
The UN chief offered his “good offices” for initiation of such a dialogue.
“My good offices will remain available to both the countries should both parties wish to avail themselves of it,” he said.
Mr Annan pointed out that there was enormous support and encouragement from the international community for the twin-track approach of resolving the Kashmir issue.
Underlining the need for resolution of differences between Pakistan and India through peaceful means, he said the two countries shared much in common, “much to lose from confrontation and tension, and much to gain through cooperation.”
He appreciated the measures taken by President Gen Pervez Musharraf against extremist elements. “The president deserves high praise for his speech,” he said, adding that these were the steps in right direction and there was a need to build upon them.
He said there was a need for sustained and determined actions like the one announced by the president against extremists.
Referring to his discussions with the foreign minister, he said Afghanistan featured prominently at the talks. He said he was encouraged by the support the international community had showed during the recent conference held in Tokyo.
In reply to a question about the treatment being meted out to the Al Qaeda members detained in Cuba, he hoped the detainees would be treated according to the international norms.
The secretary-general chose not to respond to questions about the validity of the UN resolutions on the Kashmir issue.
SATTAR’S: In his opening statement, Mr Sattar mentioned Pakistan’s efforts for preservation of peace, de-escalation and resumption of dialogue with India.
He noted that despite diplomatic and political efforts for defusing tension, little had changed in the concentration of forces on borders and the Line of Control.
Inherent in this situation were dangers that needed to be removed by the return of forces to their peacetime locations, he emphasized. Mr Sattar said Pakistan was ready to enter bilateral negotiations and utilize any peaceful means for settlement of disputes.
He said the secretary-general had been assured that Pakistan’s policy was cast in the mould of the UN Charter and principles of international law. “As always and as required of the members of the United Nations, Pakistan carries out the decisions of the Security Council,” he added. The foreign minister held out a firm assurance to the secretary-general about Pakistan’s continued support in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.
