‘Russia can help resolve Kashmir dispute only on India, Pak’s request: Andrey Demidov

KARACHI - Russia can play a role in resolving the Kashmir dispute only if India and Pakistan make such a request, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Pakistan, Andrey V Demidov has said.

“Who told you that we are not interested in resolving the issue?” The News quoted Demidov, as saying, in reply to a query.

“We have good bilateral relations with India and we discuss it with them,” he said, adding, “Every issue should be resolved through peaceful means.”

“You have referred to Tashkent Pact,” he said. “Both Pakistan and India invited former Soviet Union to mediate. Now you are looking towards the United States to help resolve Kashmir dispute.”

Demidov made these observations while responding to a question at a roundtable discussion at the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs (PIIA) to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations Organisation (UNO).

The Russian Consul General also said though the US presence in Afghanistan was approved by the UN Security Council, the issue should be resolved through negotiations.

“The United Nations has to adapt in changing atmosphere. The UN should effectively react to challenges the world is facing today. We believe that the Security Council should be reformed and be able to take quick decisions,” he remarked, adding that the United Nations had a very important role in resolutions of international conflicts.

The UN is spending seven billion dollars in peacekeeping every year across the world and Russia plays a significant role in it, said Demidov, and added that the organisation could become the main body in fighting terrorism. (ANI)