Sharif sees key role for US in resolving Kashmir dispute

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif hopes to see proactive engagement by the Donald Trump administration in the US to help resolve the long-running dispute between Pakistan and India, which is the biggest impediment to peace in the South Asian region.

With regard to Kashmir, America can play a very critical role, which it has not so far done, the Prime Minister told the Associated Press of Pakistan, adding that the whole world, including the US, was well aware of the danger the dispute posed to world peace and to stability in the region.

"We wish to see progress towards the resolution of the Kashmir dispute, which is the biggest hurdle in the way of peace and development in the region and the whole world, including the US, is fully aware of this reality," Sharif said.

US President Donald Trump during his election campaign had expressed his desire to help address the issue of peace and security in South Asia, aspirations that were later echoed by his Vice President Mike Pence, and more recently by US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, referring to the resolutions of the UN Security Council on Kashmir, said the Security Council must ensure implementation of its resolutions as failure to do so was already raising many questions about its credibility.

--IANS

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