US appreciates Pakistan-India joint statement on ceasefire

The United States (US) has welcomed India and Pakistan’s announcement that they would observe the 2003 ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC).

According to the details, US Press Secretary Jen Psaki in a media briefing said that this is a positive step towards greater peace and stability in South Asia which is in the shared interest and US encourage both countries to keep building upon this progress.

As per the briefing, “The United States welcomes the joint statement between India and Pakistan: that the two countries have agreed to maintain strict observance of a ceasefire along the Line of Control starting on February 25th.  This is a positive step towards greater peace and stability in South Asia, which is in all shared — is in our shared interest.  And we encourage both countries to keep building upon this progress.”

“I think what I can say and what you’ve heard me say from this podium and others from this administration say is that we had called on the parties to reduce tensions along the Line of Control by returning to that 2003 ceasefire agreement. We have been very clear that we condemn the terrorists who seek to infiltrate across the Line of Control.”

“When it comes to the U.S. role, we continue to support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir and other issues of concern. And as I said just a moment ago, we certainly welcome the arrangement that was announced that will take place – go into effect, I should say, on February 25th.”