New Delhi (NVI): The United Nations and the United States have welcomed India and Pakistan’s announcement of ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC) and all other sectors, saying that the positive step has set an example for other countries and will encourage dialogue between the two neighbouring nations.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that India and Pakistan’s announcement was encouraging. United Nations Secretary General’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said yesterday that Antonio Guterres is “encouraged” by India and Pakistan’s decision to strictly observe all agreements on a ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC).
United Nations General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir also welcomed the move and said that the step by the two countries demonstrates UNGA values.
“I wholeheartedly welcome today’s ceasefire agreement between #India and #Pakistan. Their stated commitment to achieve sustainable peace through addressing each other’s core issues and concerns sets an example for other countries and demonstrates #UNGA values,” the UNGA President said in a tweet.
I wholeheartedly welcome today’s ceasefire agreement between #India and #Pakistan. Their stated commitment to achieve sustainable peace through addressing each other’s core issues and concerns sets an example for other countries and demonstrates #UNGA values.
— UN GA President (@UN_PGA) February 25, 2021
The United States also welcomed India and Pakistan’s decision, calling it a “positive step” towards greater peace and stability in South Asia.
“This is a positive step towards greater peace and stability in South Asia, which is in our shared interest,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said during a briefing. “And we encourage both countries to keep building upon this progress,” she added.
German Ambassador to India, Walter J Linder also welcomes the move today. “Good news on courageous joint India Pakistan statement regarding ceasefire. If implemented could be first step towards reducing violence and terrorism. Joint constructive effort for regional security and economic development seems now possible…,” the German envoy said in a tweet.
Good news on courageous joint India Pakistan statement regarding ceasefire. If implemented could be first step towards reducing violence and terrorism. Joint constructive effort for regional security and economic development seems now possible… pic.twitter.com/YmvmivVHwV
— Walter J. Lindner (@AmbLindnerIndia) February 26, 2021
In a crucial development, India and Pakistan armies agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control (LoC) and all other sectors with effect from February 24 midnight.
A joint statement released by the two sides yesterday said that the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan held discussions over the established mechanism of hotline contact. The two sides reviewed the situation along the Line of Control and all other sectors in a free, frank and cordial atmosphere.
“Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight 24/25 Feb 2021,” read the official statement.
Both sides also reiterated that existing mechanisms of hotline contact and border flag meetings will be utilised to resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding, it said.
-ARK
