UN chief Ban Ki-Moon urges India, Pakistan ‘to return to dialogue’

UNITED NATIONS (92 News) – As the proposed talks between the National Security Advisers of India and Pakistan appeared deadlocked, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday called on the two sides ‘to return to dialogue’ in the interest of their people and exercise maximum restraint. In a statement issued by the UN press office, UN Secretary-General urged Pakistan and India to keep the best interests of the civilians in mind and whatever would ensure their safety is paramount. He urged both sides to return to dialogue in the interests of their people, when asked about the proposed NSA-level talks hanging by a thread after India made it clear that Pakistan's insistence on meeting Kashmiri separatists is not acceptable. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is scheduled to meet his Pakistan counterpart Sartaz Aziz for talks on terrorism- related issues for the first time on Sunday in New Delhi. But the talks appear to be hanging by a thread after both countries hardened their positions over Pakistan meeting Kashmiri separatist leaders ahead of the talks.