Russian FO denies any offer for mediating for Kashmir settlement
Moscow, Russia: Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied that President Russia Vladimir Putin offered any mediation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue.
Referring to Pakistani Foreign Ministry official as saying that Russia is prepared to mediate a settlement of the Kashmir problem, Russian Foreign Office states that Russia’s position of principle on this matter (Kashmir issue) has not changed and Russians believe that the differences between Islamabad and New Delhi must be settled through bilateral talks based on the 1972 Simla Agreement and on the 1999 Lahore Declaration.
Through a press statement number 1187 posted at website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Russian FO states as:
We would like to say the following in connection with Pakistani media reports that cite a Pakistani Foreign Ministry official as saying that Russia is prepared to mediate a settlement of the Kashmir problem. Russia’s position of principle on this matter has not changed: we believe that the differences between Islamabad and New Delhi must be settled through bilateral talks based on the 1972 Simla Agreement and on the 1999 Lahore Declaration.
Like the rest of the international community, Russia would like to see neighborly relations between India and Pakistan. This would have a direct impact on the strengthening of regional security and stability and also on the promotion of mutually beneficial trade and economic ties.
It may be mentioned that Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman stated during a press briefing that Russian President Vladimir Putin offered mediation for resolving Kashmir issue.
