UN ready to mediate Kashmir dispute: Ban

UN secy-general says strong Pak-Afghan cooperation a priority agenda of UN

UN urges drone operators to adhere to international laws pertaining to UAV use

Expressing sorrow over the fresh outbreak of violence in the disputed Kashmir valley, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has emphasised the need for Pakistan and India to resolve the “long-standing” issue, saying his offices were ready to mediate if both sides agreed.

“While I am saddened by the loss of lives in this conflict, I am encouraged by the recent moves by both sides to engage in dialogue and fully support it,” the secretary-general said in an interview before his departure to Islamabad for an official two-day visit beginning on Tuesday (today).

Resolving the Pakistan-India dispute is on the UN Security Council’s agenda but experts point out that India has consistently rebuffed offers of mediation by the UN or any other third party, arguing that solutions must arise bilaterally.

Even in bilateral talks, little progress has been made because of India’s refusal to address the core issue of Kashmir.

Responding to a question about the anger in Pakistan over the United States drone strikes, Ban said, “The UN strongly urges all countries and groups operating drones to adhere to international laws pertaining to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including international humanitarian laws.”

Ban said he looked forward to discussing a number of important issues with newly-elected Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, including Afghanistan from where the US-led forces are set to withdraw in 2014, posing a challenge because of the resulting security vacuum.

“We hope Pakistan plays a role in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan,” he said, adding that strong regional cooperation was a priority agenda of the UN and he wished to discuss it with the PM and President Asif Zardari.

“This is why I am visiting Pakistan,” he said.

The UN secretary-general said he would also exchange ideas on how Pakistan could accelerate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in education, poverty eradication and gender equality.