Gen Asim Munir stresses ‘two-state solution’ as key to ending Gaza crisis
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir meets UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York on Friday. - ISPR photo
In meeting with UN chief, COAS Gen Munir also raises the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir
WASHINGTON: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has urged the United Nations Security Council to mobilize the international community for immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and prevent the unfolding human tragedy, emphasising that the lasting solution to the Gaza crisis lies in a “two-state solution”.
According to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday, General Asim Munir reiterated Pakistan’s stance on the Palestinian issue during his meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
General Munir highlighted that the issue can be resolved with a two-state solution.
“COAS particularly shared deep concerns over the plight of the innocent civilians who are being brutally targeted and are not being provided with sufficient humanitarian relief,” the ISPR statement said.
The army chief also raised the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and maintained that “peace in South Asia will remain elusive until a peaceful solution to the longstanding Kashmir dispute is found in accordance with UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of Kashmiri people”.
General Munir condemned the unilateral and illegal Indian efforts to change the status of the disputed region as it violates United Nations Security Council resolutions on the matter, added the military’s media wing.
On arrival at the UN Headquarters in New York, the UNSG warmly welcomed the COAS and appreciated the contributions made by the Pakistan Army and law enforcement contingents to maintain global peace and stability.
The army chief reaffirmed Pakistan’s continuous support to the UN in all its efforts, said ISPR.
COAS visit to the US
General Asim Munir has called on key US government and military officials during his ongoing visit to the US, including Secretary of State Antony J Blinken, Secretary of Defense General (retd) Llyod J Austin, Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer and US Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q Brown.
According to the ISPR, matters of bilateral interests, global and regional security issues, and ongoing conflicts were discussed during the meetings.
Both sides agreed to continue engagement for exploring potential avenues of bilateral collaboration in pursuit of shared interests. The visit comes after senior US officials visited Pakistan in the first week of December. – News Agencies / Web Desk
