The UN chief’s assertion, launched on Saturday, got here shortly after information broke of a choice by the 2 international locations to de-escalate a scenario that has brought on widespread alarm in latest days.
Tensions had been steadily elevating, after a gaggle of gunmen fired on vacationers visiting Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April, killing at the very least 26 and injuring scores extra. India and Pakistan each administer elements of the Himalayan area however declare the territory in its entirety, and it has been a scene of unrest for many years.
Prior to now week, fears grew of an outright navy confrontation, and the UN expressed deep concern over deteriorating relations between the 2 South Asian neighbours, with Mr. Guterres telling journalists that tensions have been greater than that they had been in years, and reiterating calls for max restraint.
There have been experiences of jubilation in each India and Pakistan at information of the ceasefire, which is believed to be the results of talks mediated by the US, and was introduced by representatives of all three international locations on social media platforms. Nevertheless, there have since been experiences of skirmishes, together with drone assaults.
The Secretary-Basic welcomed the ceasefire settlement as a optimistic step towards ending present hostilities and easing tensions, and stated that he hopes the settlement will “contribute to lasting peace and foster an atmosphere conducive to addressing broader, longstanding points between the 2 international locations.”
