UN chief shows concern over Pak security situation

Speaking of his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, he said Singh was 8220;very much committed8221; to continuing dialogue and improving relations with Islamabad. 8220;I am encouraged by the commitment made by leaders of both countries,8221; he said.

The UN chief termed the recent opening of trade routes between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir an 8220;encouraging development8221;.

On the question of UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan UNMOGIP, Ban said he had appointed new commanders to the mission recently and expressed the hope that it would continue to carry out its mandated activities successfully. 8220;I sincerely hope that with the active cooperation of India and Pakistan, the UN observer mission UNMOGIP will be able to continue their mandated activities successfully,8221; Ban said.

Ban, who was on a two-day visit to India, met President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and they discussed global financial crisis, climate change, UN security council8217;s expansion and Myanmar among other issues.

Ban said India has been 8220;actively and very constructively8221; contributing to the democratisation process in Myanmar.