DATE=8/11/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N - INDIA - PAKISTAN TENSION (L - ONLY)
NUMBER=2-252697
BYLINE=MAX RUSTON
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United Nations is (Wednesday) urging the
governments of India and Pakistan to remain calm amid
signs of escalating military tension between the two
countries. V-O-A's U-N correspondent Max Ruston has
more.
TEXT: U-N spokesman Fred Eckhard says Secretary-
General Kofi Annan is following the situation between
India and Pakistan closely. He says both countries
have sent letters to the U-N chief. But he would not
disclose what was written in those letters.
Mr. Eckhard says Mr. Annan would like the two
countries to exercise restraint and resume bilateral
talks.
/// Eckhard act ///
He continues to look forward to an early
resumption of the bilateral dialogue between
these two countries and he certainly hopes they
will exercise restraint and not enter into a
tit-for-tat situation that could lead to
spiraling violence.
/// End act ///
The U-N Security Council also discussed the situation
in South Asia, including India's downing of a
Pakistani aircraft on Tuesday. Council President
Martin Andjaba of Namibia:
/// Andjaba act ///
Yes, the issue came up under other matters and
members of the Security Council took note of the
statement which was issued early on by the
Secretary-General and encourage both India and
Pakistan to settle the problem through bilateral
consultations.
/// End act ///
Mr. Andjaba says there are no immediate plans for the
Council to take further action or hold discussions on
the issue.
The U-N Secretary-General has made it clear to India
and Pakistan that he is willing to mediate in their
territorial dispute over Kashmir, which has been the
focus of tension between the two countries. Pakistan
says it is open to such mediation. U-N officials say
India has neither rejected nor welcomed the idea.
(Signed)
NEB/UN/MPR/LSF/PT
11-Aug-1999 17:54 PM LOC (11-Aug-1999 2154 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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