United Nations: Raking up Kashmir, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said the non-resolution of the issue reflected failure of the UN and proposed a 4-point "peace initiative" which includes demilitarisation of Kashmir and unconditional withdrawal of forces from Siachen.
Addressing the UN General Assembly, he also proposed restraint by both countries from "use or the threat of use of force under any circumstances" and formalisation of the 2003 border ceasefire as part of the formula to ensure peaceful ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
"Cooperation, not confrontation, should define our relationship," Sharif said while underlining the "primacy and urgency" of addressing the issues of Kashmir and peace and security between India and Pakistan. At the same time, he insisted that "consultations with Kashmiris, who are an integral part of the dispute, are essential to evolving a peaceful solution."
Contending that normalisation of relations with India has been his priority since he came to office, the Pakistan Prime Minister said the two countries "should address and resolve the causes of tension" and take all possible measures to avert further escalation.
"That is why I want to use the opportunity today to propose a new peace initiative with India, starting with measures that are the simplest to implement: "One, we propose that Pakistan and India formalize and respect the 2003 understanding for a complete ceasefire on the Line of Control in Kashmir. For this purpose, we call for UNMOGIP's expansion to monitor the observance of the ceasefire.
"Two, we propose, that Pakistan and India reaffirm that they will not resort to the use or the threat of use of force under any circumstances. This is a central element of the UN Charter. "Three, steps be taken to demilitarize Kashmir. "Four, agree to an unconditional mutual withdrawal from Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battleground," he said.
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