UN chief welcomes ceasefire between India, Pakistan

NEW YORK, May 11 (Bernama-Xinhua) — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, reported Xinhua.

“The Secretary-General welcomes the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan as a positive step toward ending current hostilities and easing tensions,” Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN chief, said in a statement.

“He hopes the agreement will contribute to lasting peace and foster an environment conducive to addressing broader, longstanding issues between the two countries,” Dujarric said.

The spokesman added that the United Nations stands ready to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.

Pakistan and India announced earlier Saturday a ceasefire with immediate effect, following days of military strikes on each other.  

The latest conflict between India and Pakistan was brought on by a deadly attack on tourists in Indian administered Kashmir, where 26 tourists were gunned to death.

–BERNAMA-XINHUA