Hurriyat chief wants China, Saudi Arabia's mediation in J-K

New Delhi, Mar 24 (ANI): Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has suggested that China and Saudi Arabia could mediate to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir issue.

Speaking on the sidelines of a function hosted by the Pakistan High Commission to mark the Pakistan National Day at New Delhi on Tuesday, Farooq suggested that China and Saudi Arabia could mediate to resolve the issue.

"China has very good relation with both the countries, India and Pakistan. It has a role in Kashmir. We feel that they should come forward the way America is trying to restart the dialogue between the two countries," Farooq said, adding that it is good to know that China is also engaged in such process.

Referring to the statement of Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor, Farooq noted that he also had sought Saudi Arabia as an interlocutor in resolving the Kashmir dispute with Pakistan.

"Saudi Arabia has very good relations with both the countries India and Pakistan. It is obvious that such a suggestion has come from Shashi Tharoor. Saudi Arabia can play a role in Kashmir. We welcome it," added Farooq.

Shashi Tharoor had reportedly earlier said that Saudi Arabia should play the role of an interlocutor between India and Pakistan. The remark caused a stir and appeared to fly in the face of India's long-stated position on resolving all issues with Pakistan bilaterally and without third party intervention.

Recently, Farooq met Chinese Director of Foreign Affairs, Ying Gang, in Geneva during the 13th session of the UN Human Rights Council on Monday.

The Hurriyat leader is due to travel to China at the invitation of the NGO named Han Foundation. (ANI)