SRINAGAR: The United States and United Nations welcomed the announcement by militaries of India and Pakistan to strictly observe all agreements on a ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the UN chief, at the daily press briefing said, “ The Secretary-General is encouraged by the joint statement issued by the militaries of India and Pakistan on their agreement to observing the ceasefire at the Line of Control in Kashmir and engaging through established mechanisms.  He hopes that this positive step will provide an opportunity for further dialogue.”

In response to a question on whether the Secretary-General plans to talk to the leaders of India and Pakistan, Dujarric said, “There’s no plan that I’m aware of, but the Secretary-General is always available for his good offices in any…between any Member States who would request it.”

White House spokesperson Jen Psaki welcomed the joint statement and urged both countries to keep building upon the progress.

“United States welcomes the joint statement between India and Pakistan that the two countries have agreed to maintain strict observance of a ceasefire along the Line of Control starting on February 25. This is a positive step towards greater peace and stability in South Asia, which is in our shared interest and we encourage both countries to keep building upon this progress,” White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that the US has always backed direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir and other issues of concern.

The Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO) of both countries held discussions over the established hotline and decided in the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders.

A statement said the two DGMOs have agreed to address each other’s core issues and concerns which have the propensity to disturb peace and lead to violence.

“The two sides reviewed the situation along the LoC and all other sectors in a free, frank and cordial atmosphere”, the statement said, adding that both sides reiterated that “existing mechanisms of hotline contact and border flag meetings will be utilised to resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding”.

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