NEW YORK: Pakistan and India must exert “maximum restraint” and step back from the brink of war, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Monday, as tensions between the South Asian neighbors soared.
Addressing journalists outside the Security Council at UN Headquarters in New York, Guterres expressed deep concern over deteriorating relations between the two South Asian neighbours, saying they had reached “their highest in years.”
Relations have reached “a boiling point,” Guterres said, warning, “It is also essential — especially at this critical hour — to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control.”
“Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink.”
He again condemned the April 22 attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice through “credible and lawful means.”
Furthermore, he offered his good offices to both governments to help defuse tensions and promote diplomacy, stressing that “a military solution is no solution.”
Mr. Guterres also praised both countries for their long-standing contributions to UN peacekeeping operations and expressed hope that their shared history of cooperation could form the basis for renewed dialogue.
“The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace,” he said.
