Iran joins diplomatic efforts to defuse Indo-Pak tension

Islamabad, Dec 28(ANI): Joining global diplomatic efforts to reduce the rising tension between India and Pakistan, Iran today asked both the countries to normalise the relations.

"Our diplomacy has become very active to defuse the tension. Iranian authorities will not desist from going to any length to help normalise India-Pakistan relations," the Dawn quoted Iranian Ambassador Mashallah Shakeri, as saying.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki called External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to convey Tehran's stand on the issue.

Shakeri said that Iran could not remain indifferent to the situation as it involves two of its old allies.

"The tense situation between the two countries is a result of years of mistrust." he said.

Shakeri however, said that Iran would remain neutral on the issue and would try to bridge the gap between the two nations without taking sides.

"We'll remain neutral in the situation as taking sides wouldn't help," Shakeri added.

Shakeri also had a telephonic discussion with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir. (ANI)