Secretary-General Urges Pakistan, India to Engage in Dialogue, Calling on Both Sides to Exercise ‘Maximum Restraint’ after Flaring Border Violence

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General expresses serious concern about the recent escalation of violence along the Line of Control between India and Pakistan, which reportedly resulted in a number of casualties on both sides, including civilians.  He conveys his condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives.

The Secretary-General calls upon the Governments of India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint and take all feasible steps to ensure the protection of civilians.

The Secretary-General urges both countries to continue to address their differences through dialogue.  In that regard, he welcomes the planned meeting between their respective National Security Advisors, on 23 and 24 August, and expresses the hope that it will lead to positive outcomes.