DNA
ISLAMABAD, MAY 5: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged nuclear-armed foes Pakistan and India to exert “maximum restraint” and step back from the brink of war as tensions between the South Asian neighbours soared.
Relations have reached “a boiling point,” Guterres told reporters, warning it was “essential to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control. Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink.”
Here is the transcript of his message. “Tensions between India and Pakistan are at their highest in years.I deeply respect and am profoundly grateful to the Government 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. I understand the raw feelings following the awful terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April.
I once again strongly condemn that attack and extend my condolences to the families of the victims. Targeting civilians is unacceptable – and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means.It is also essential – especially at this critical hour — to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control.
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’.
