New York: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the release of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman by Pakistan and asked both countries to keep up the “positive momentum”.
A statement issued by his spokesperson’s office shortly after Varthaman returned to India said: “We welcome the news of the Pakistani authorities releasing the captive Indian pilot today. The Secretary-General calls on both parties to sustain this positive momentum and engage in further constructive dialogue”.
Guterres reiterated his offer good offices to facilitate a dialogue should both countries agree.
Varthaman was captured by Pakistan on Wednesday after his MiG was shot down and crashed in Pakistani territory.
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