Translated with AI
Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached their highest level in recent years, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said while addressing reporters at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday, the UN press service reported.
The UN chief stressed that he highly values the contribution of both countries to the activities of the Organization, including peacekeeping operations, and expressed regret over the deterioration of bilateral relations between India and Pakistan. “It pains me to see how relations between them are approaching the boiling point,” he said.
The Secretary-General reiterated his condemnation of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. He stressed that attacks on civilians are unacceptable and that those responsible must be brought to justice in a credible and lawful manner.
"It is also extremely important – especially at this critical moment – to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spiral out of control," he added, calling on the parties to "step back from the brink" and act with maximum restraint.
The UN Secretary-General reiterated his good offices to the Governments of India and Pakistan in the interests of peace and confirmed the readiness of the world organization to support any initiatives aimed at a diplomatic settlement and reduction of tensions.
"Make no mistake: a military solution is not a solution," he stressed.
