*Condemns Israeli aggression in Gaza during OIC meeting on sidelines of UN GA session
*Voices concerns over conflicts in Syria and Iraq
Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz Friday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to finding a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Addressing the annual coordination meeting of Oraganisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) on the sidelines of UN General Assembly here, Aziz thanked the OIC for its consistent support to the Kashmiris in their legitimate struggle for realisation of self-determination, which was promised to them by the international community and the Indian leadership.
The adviser apprised his OIC counterparts of the continuing “gross and systematic human rights violations and persecution in Indian-occupied Kashmir”.
Expressing regret over India’s decision to call of foreign secretary-level talks, the adviser said he hoped that India would soon “recognise the importance of meaningful dialogue for durable peace and in the interest of one and a half billion people of South Asia”.
The adviser reiterated Pakistan’s unequivocal condemnation of Israeli aggression and carnage in Gaza. “The situation in Palestine is still untenable despite the ceasefire,” said Aziz, stressing for the establishment of an independent and viable Palestine state on the basis of pre-1967 border was the only guarantee of lasting peace in the region.
Aziz also voiced Pakistan’s concerns over the “destructive conflict in Syria and Iraq” and called on the OIC and member states to resolve their differences through dialogue in the spirit of Islamic solidarity and brotherhood.
The meeting was chaired by Saudi Arabia Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal and attended by the foreign ministers of member states, OIC secretary-general and UN deputy secretary general.
The participating foreign ministers delivered policy statements on the important issues faced by the Muslim world and stressed the need for greater harmony and unity to overcome the challenges.