UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Friday said he was encouraged by the commitment of India and Pakistan to continue their dialogue process, but ruled out withdrawal of its observer mission in both countries.
On a two-day visit to Delhi, Ban also voiced concern over the security situation in Pakistan which he said was "deteriorating" and asked the global community to help Islamabad in improving it.
Ban, who met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, said he was "encouraged by the commitment made by leaders of both countries (India and Pakistan)" towards improving bilateral ties and hoped that the existing peace process would continue.
To a question on UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, Ban made it clear that it will continue its operations.
Ban said he had made fresh appointments to the mission and, "I sincerely hope that with the active cooperation of India and Pakistan, the UNMOGIP will be able to continue their mandated activities successfully."
The UNMOGIP was set up in 1949 to monitor the ceasefire line in Jammu and Kashmir. After the Shimla Agreement in 1972, India had conveyed to the UN that there was no need for UNMOGIP.
However, Pakistan disagrees with India's position.
