India rejects UN offer to mediate on Kashmir

SRINAGAR — India on Monday strongly rejected the offer of United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ offer to mediate between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue and said that there is no role of third party intervention in the issue.

Antonio made this offer on Sunday, while he was addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Antonio was on an official visit to Pakistan.

India strongly rejected the offer of UN Secretary General to mediate between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Ravish Kumar while rejecting the offer said in New Delhi on late Sunday evening that no one needs to focus attention on Kashmir and if there is any issue that needs to be discussed is to how can be the illegal occupation of Indian territory by Pakistan ended.

He said that even if there is any bilateral issue between the two countries that can be discussed bilaterally and does not need any third party intervention.

Ravish Kumar expressed hope that UN Secretary General Antonio will take up the issue of cross border terrorism with Pakistan and lay its focus on asking Pakistan to end its support to terrorism and its export to India.