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Pakistan protests after US envoy calls Kashmir part of India
Times of India··20 Aug
Pakistan summoned the US Charge d'Affaires in Islamabad after Ambassador Sergio Gor, on a first visit to Srinagar, called Jammu and Kashmir an important part of India. Gor spoke after meeting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Pakistan's foreign ministry rejected the characterisation and called the region a disputed territory awaiting UN resolutions. Gor also said US travel warnings would be re-evaluated.
Prism
What It Means For You
- If you plan travel to Jammu and Kashmir, Gor said the United States will look at whether its Level 4 do-not-travel warning should be downgraded. He made no change on 19 August.
- Anyone following India-Pakistan diplomacy can note Islamabad summoned the US Charge d'Affaires the same day and rejected the envoy's wording.
- If you live in the Union Territory, Gor met Omar Abdullah in Srinagar and called the place an important part of India and a beautiful area.
What's Happening
- Gor told reporters it was his first visit since taking office and that he was thrilled to be in Srinagar.
- Pakistan issued a press statement saying it had lodged a strong demarche over factually incorrect remarks on the status of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Gor said New Delhi and the local government had taken steps that made the area safer, which is why the advisory would be examined.
Where The Visit Fits In Recent US-India Talks
- Hindustan Times noted Gor met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in June on counter-terrorism, narcotics, border security and law-enforcement cooperation.
- The US advisory currently covers Jammu and Kashmir except eastern Ladakh and Leh, and has long warned American citizens against visiting.
- Omar Abdullah said discussions focused on the relationship going forward and that the meeting was warm and cordial.
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