UNITED NATIONS: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif conveyed his concerns to the United States regarding the Indian ceasefire violations on the LoC and reiterated Pakistan’s stance that it desires peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues through dialogue.
The Prime Minister raised the issue of the ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary during his meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry on the sidelines of the 70th UNGA Session in New York.
A statement released from the Pakistan’s Mission to the United Nations said that the Prime Minister shared his views on relations with India and expressed deep concern over the Indian ceasefire violations on the LoC and the Working Boundary. “The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues through dialogue,” the statement said.
Sharing the outcome of the meeting, Acting Representative of United States for Pakistan and Afghanistan Laurell Miller told the press that the “United States urges both Pakistan and India to engage in a dialogue and to take steps to de-escalate tension on the borders.”
She said Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had an “excellent meeting” with US Secretary of State John Kerry where they talked about the whole range of issues on the common agenda. “We look forward to Prime Minister’s visit to Washington in October,” she said and added the two sides talked about areas where they can “further advance and deepen the relationship”
Laurell Miller said the two sides also discussed the issues that can be taken up during the forthcoming talks in Washington next month. To a question about the warming India-US ties and the heavy cost Pakistan was paying against terrorism, Miller said the United States recognizes Pakistan’s sacrifices.
“Secretary Kerry specifically said that he recognises the significant efforts that Pakistan has made against terrorism.” She said the United States also recognises the sacrifices made by the Pakistani people and its security forces in fighting terrorism. She said the United States is cooperating with Pakistan against terrorism and will continue to do so.
