India and Pakistan got a pat on the back from United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon for their efforts to get back on track a peace process that got derailed after the Mumbai attacks.
Currently visiting India, the Secretary-General said he was 'pleased' with the 'continuing efforts to
improve the relations between India and Pakistan'.
Mr Ban, who was speaking to reporters in the capital Friday evening, added, “This has a broader significance for the region and for global peace. I realise that there are many outstanding issues
but I encourage the leaders of both countries to persist in these efforts.”
In response to a question on the issue of terrorism, Mr Ban mentioned the Mumbai attacks. “India was also targeted particularly during the Mumbai terrorist attacks. I hope and I urge that all the perpetrators
of these crimes, terrorist attacks should be brought to justice as soon as possible. I understand that the Indian and Pakistan government have been discussing this matter very seriously as to how this matter could be brought to a close,” he remarked.
The Secretary-General also noted, “terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances and should be eliminated and stopped.”
He noted that the UN in December 2006 adopted a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy and urged the international community to unite in dealing with terror.
Asked about Kashmir, Mr Ban remarked, “ I hope this issue is addressed peacefully without violence and respecting wills of the people there.”
Having suffered at the hands of those carrying out terror attacks, terrorism was an issue that the Indian leadership raised with Mr Ban during their meetings on Friday. The Secretary-General met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, external affairs minister S.M.Krishna and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi
on Friday.
Sources said the discussions between the two side on this issue were fairly expansive.