Return to 2003 ceasefire commitments: US to India, Pak
Washington: The US on Thursday called on all parties to reduce tensions along the LoC by returning to the 2003 ceasefire commitments. It also condemned the militants who seek to infiltrate across the Line of Control.
“We have continued to follow very closely developments in Jammu and Kashmir. Our policy towards the region has not changed. We call on all parties to reduce tensions along the Line of Control by returning to the 2003 ceasefire commitments,” State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told a reporter at his daily news conference.
“We condemn militants who seek to infiltrate across the Line of Control. When it comes to how we will support that, we continue to support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir and other areas of concern,” Price said in response to a question.
Price was responding to a question as to what Secretary of State Antony Blinken is going to do to ensure or try to ensure that the ceasefire announced between India and Pakistan is maintained.
India and Pakistan signed a ceasefire agreement in 2003, but it has hardly been followed in letter and spirit over the past several years.
India last month said that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence. India has said the onus is on Pakistan to create an environment free of terror and hostility.
“Our position is well-known. India desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said. “The onus is on Pakistan for creating such an environment,” he said in New Delhi.
Press Trust of India
