US Senator Urges India & Pakistan To Resolve Kashmir Conflict Through Dialogue

Islamabad, July 3 (IANS): US Congressional delegation led by Senator John McCain has urged both India and Pakistan to hold dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue and asserted that peace Pakistan’s help can only attain peace in the region.

The Senator was on a visit Sunday along with the delegation to the capital of Pakistan who met Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and held discussions on many issues including bilateral and terrorism, Pakistan's relations with India and Afghanistan and regional peace, Dawn newspaper reported. 

The US delegation included Senators Lindsey Graham, Sheldon Whitehouse, Elizabeth Warren and David Perdue.

Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua was also present during the meeting.

McCain, Chairman of Senate Armed Services Committee, asserted that Pakistan had a significant role for establishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan. "Peace and stability in Afghanistan is not possible without Pakistan's help... Kashmir problem should be resolved in a peaceful way through negotiations."

He said that US expects an end to violence based on Kashmir issue and it will continue its policy regarding that as they haven’t changed it yet.

The US delegation called for closer cooperation between America and Pakistan in confronting the peace and security challenges in the region and beyond, the daily reported.

Aziz also underscored the significance of the longstanding cooperation between the two countries and the need to make this partnership "diverse and multidimensional".

He further said that Islamabad "remained committed to supporting efforts for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan".

Aziz indicated Pakistan readiness to work with the US to counter terrorism threats, including Islamic State.