Nawaz meets Kerry, seeks US role in Kashmir dispute; Ban Ki-Moon calls for peace

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Monday sought help from the US to resolve tensions between India and Pakistan, as he raised the issue of human rights violations and killings in Kashmir.
Sharif met US Secretary of State John Kerry here during which he raised the Kashmir issue.
“The Prime Minister said that more than 107 people have been assassinated in Kashmir, thousands injured and worst human rights violations are being committed at the state level,” according to a readout of the meeting issued by Pakistan.
Sharif told Kerry that he still remember President (Bill) Clinton’s promise that US will play its role to help out in resolving bilateral disputes and issues between Pakistan and India.
“I expect US Administration and Secretary Kerry to use his good offices to help in resolving bilateral issues between Pakistan and India,” the statement quoted Sharif as saying.
Sharif said Pakistan has always fought terrorism as a moral obligation and he has always reached out to neighboring countries for regional peace, stability and prosperity.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry, Pakistan’s envoy to the UN Maleeha Lodhi and US Special Representative for Af-Pak Richard Olson were also present at the meeting.
The meeting comes amidst a fresh war of words between Pakistan and India after militants killed 18 Indian army men in an attack on army base in Uri, Kashmir.
According to the statement, Sharif said that militants’ infrastructure had been dismantled and they were on the run due to the indiscriminate action against all terrorist groups.
“The national resolve against terrorism and extremism is unflinching,” the statement said, citing Sharif.
Discussing the situation in Afghanistan with Kerry, Sharif stressed the need for meaningful engagement with Afghanistan, the statement said.

Condemning the militant attack on an army camp in North Kashmir’s Uri town that killed 17 soldiers, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon hoped the perpetrators of the crime will be brought to justice and all involved will work for the re-establishment of stability and prevent further loss of life.
“The United Nations is following developments closely and shares the concerns of people living in the region for peace,” a statement issued by Ban’s spokesperson here said.
Ban expressed hope that the perpetrators of the attack will be brought to justice and all stakeholders will meet their responsibilities to maintain peace and stability.
“The Secretary-General hopes that the perpetrators of this crime will be identified and brought to justice,” it said.
He “hopes that all involved will prioritise the re-establishment of stability and prevent any further loss of life. The Secretary-General encourages all stakeholders to meet their respective responsibilities to maintain peace and stability,” the statement said.
Condemning the “militant attack”, Ban expressed his “deepest sympathy and condolences” to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives and to the government of India and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack.