Kashmiris suffering due to Indo-Pak tensions: Erdogan

Says the escalating situation “can no longer be ignored,” advocates bilateral dialogue to solve the K-tangle

November 17, 2016 04:52 pm | Updated December 02, 2016 04:03 pm IST - ISLAMABAD:

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif listen to their national anthems, during a ceremony in Islamabad on Thursday. Mr. Erdogan, who is in Pakistan on a two-day official visit, later discussed the K-issue with Mr. Sharif and advocated bilateral talks to solve the tangle.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif listen to their national anthems, during a ceremony in Islamabad on Thursday. Mr. Erdogan, who is in Pakistan on a two-day official visit, later discussed the K-issue with Mr. Sharif and advocated bilateral talks to solve the tangle.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday said the suffering of Kashmiris due to escalating India-Pakistan tensions “can no longer be ignored” as he called on the two countries to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue.

Mr. Erdogan, who arrived here on Wednesday, made the remarks after he held detailed talks with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

They discussed the K-word

Addressing a joint press conference, the Turkish President told the media that during his one-on-one meeting with Mr. Sharif that they talked about the situation in Kashmir.

“Our brothers and sisters in Kashmir are suffering because of escalating tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) and Kashmir, which can no longer be ignored,” Mr. Erdogan said. He stressed on the importance of dialogue to address the thorny issue.

“The Kashmir issue needs to find a resolution for itself following a dialogue between Pakistan and India,” Mr. Erdogan said.

Thanks Pakistan

The Turkish President thanked Pakistan for siding with Ankara’s elected government during a failed coup bid earlier this year. “Soon after the failed coup attempt in Turkey, I received a phone call from President Mamnoon Hussain and we discussed a possible response to the development,” he said.

Mr. Erdogan also lambasted what his government has termed the Fethullah Terror Organisation (Feto) for allegedly supporting the coup and said it was a threat to other countries.

“We are in the process of warning all of our friends and countries [against Feto] across the globe with whom we have solidarity,” he said.

Mr. Erdogan also welcomed Pakistan’s decision to expel dozens of teachers and staff of Turkish schools in Pakistan which were controlled by Fetullah.

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