NEW DELHI: Weeks after the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, United Nations secretary general Antonio Guterres on Monday addressed the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, offering the support of his office to help restore peace.
"I understand the raw feelings following the awful terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April. I once again strongly condemn that attack and extend my condolences to the families of the victims," Guterres said.
Highlighting that war is not the answer, he added, "Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution." He said his office was available to assist both countries “in the service of peace.”
"Tensions between India and Pakistan are at the highest in years. I deeply respect and I am profoundly grateful to the government and people of both countries and their significant contribution to United Nations Peacekeeping, and so it pains me to see the relationship reach a boiling point... I once again strongly condemn that (Pahalgam) attack and extend condolences to the families of the victims. Targeting civilians is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible lawful means."
"The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace," he said.
The April 22 attack, which claimed 26 lives, most of them tourists, was carried out by Pakistan-backed terrorists in the scenic Pahalgam region.
The attack triggered one of the most serious spikes in India-Pakistan tensions in recent years.
In response, India suspended the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty for the first time in history. Pakistan retaliated by announcing the suspension of the Simla Agreement , further escalating the diplomatic standoff.
"I understand the raw feelings following the awful terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April. I once again strongly condemn that attack and extend my condolences to the families of the victims," Guterres said.
Highlighting that war is not the answer, he added, "Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution." He said his office was available to assist both countries “in the service of peace.”
"Tensions between India and Pakistan are at the highest in years. I deeply respect and I am profoundly grateful to the government and people of both countries and their significant contribution to United Nations Peacekeeping, and so it pains me to see the relationship reach a boiling point... I once again strongly condemn that (Pahalgam) attack and extend condolences to the families of the victims. Targeting civilians is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible lawful means."
"The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace," he said.
The April 22 attack, which claimed 26 lives, most of them tourists, was carried out by Pakistan-backed terrorists in the scenic Pahalgam region.
The attack triggered one of the most serious spikes in India-Pakistan tensions in recent years.
In response, India suspended the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty for the first time in history. Pakistan retaliated by announcing the suspension of the Simla Agreement , further escalating the diplomatic standoff.
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