Government briefs envoys of P5 as Imran Khan dials foreign leaders

New Delhi: India briefed envoys of several countries, including the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) – USA, Russia, China, France and UK – on the proposals related to Article 370 of the Constitution and administrative reorganisation of J&K .Senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) briefed the envoys of the non-permanent members of the UNSC, among other countries, on the proposals introduced in Parliament on Monday and highlighted that these were aimed at providing good governance, promoting social justice and ensuring economic development in J&K.The briefings came amid apprehensions that Pakistan might attempt to internationalise the issue, as indicated by a statement issued by Pakistan’s foreign ministry within hours of the announcement in Parliament.Prime Minister Imran Khan dialled foreign leaders, including Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammed and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during which he termed India's move illegal and one that would destroy regional peace and security.“Pakistan strongly condemns and rejects the announcements made today by the Indian government regarding the Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. The Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory,” said Pakistan’s foreign ministry. “No unilateral step by the Government of India can change this disputed status, as enshrined in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. Nor will this ever be acceptable to the people of Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan. As the party to this international dispute, Pakistan will exercise all possible options to counter the illegal steps.” Pakistan’s foreign ministry further said, “Pakistan reaffirms its abiding commitment to the Kashmir cause and its political, diplomatic and moral support to the people of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir for realization of their inalienable right to self-determination.” Pakistan’s Parliament is expected to meet on Tuesday to discuss J&K. It may be recalled that following the terrorist attack in Pulwama, India received overwhelming support from all 15 members of the UNSC in condemning the attack. Untitled Carousel 70534947 70544117 70535725 70542576

from Economic Times https://ift.tt/2GP3zoT