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Pakistan sees normalization of ties with India as vital for peace

Xinhua, June 18, 2015 Adjust font size:

Pakistan said on Thursday that normalization of relations with India is vital for peace and development in the region.

The Pakistani statement came following exchange of harsh words in recent days that heightened tension between the two neighbours.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif by phone on Tuesday that was seen as a step to reduce the tensions.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry also called Sharif and pushed both Pakistan and India to ease the tension.

The United Nations has also urged Pakistan and India to take steps to lessen tensions, the Pakistan state radio reported Thursday.

UN Associate Spokesman Farhan Haq told a briefing in New York that the United Nations continues to urge the two countries to try to resolve bilateral issues peacefully and amicably, Radio Pakistan reported.

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Qazi Khailullah said his country is committed to good neighborly relations with all the regional countries including India. He, however, said there are some serious issues between Pakistan and India which need to be resolved through dialogue process. "Pakistan will welcome any positive step that promotes peace and bilateral relations between the two countries," Khalilullah said at his weekly news briefing when asked about Indian Prime Minister Modi's call to his Pakistani counterpart.

The tensions escalated when the Indian prime minister referred to the break up eastern Pakistan in 1971 and the detention of 90, 000 Pakistani soldiers by India. The events of 1971 led to the creation of Bangladesh, the former eastern province of Pakistan.

When asked whether Pakistan has contacted the international community on the Indian Prime Minister admission of his country's role in the breakup of Pakistan, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Pakistan will take all appropriate actions necessary to protect its interests. Endi