UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged "maximum restraint" from India and Pakistan as a standoff between the two countries has continued to escalate, Reuters reports.
Tensions between India and Pakistan are at their highest in years, the UN chief said.
"I deeply respect and am profoundly grateful to the governments and people of both countries -- and their significant contributions to the work of the United Nations, not least UN peacekeeping. And so it pains me to see relations reaching a boiling point," he said.
Guterres once again strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which reignited hostilities between the two countries, while extending his condolences to the families of the victims. Targeting civilians is unacceptable -- and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means, he said.
The UN chief stressed that it was essential, "especially at this critical hour, to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control," and "now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink".
"Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink. That has been my message in my ongoing outreach with both countries. Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution. And I offer my good offices to both governments in the service of peace. The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace," said Guterres.
