ISLAMABAD, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday hailed the Lebanon ceasefire, terming it an important step towards reducing tensions and restoring calm in the region.
Emphasizing that Pakistan attaches high importance to regional stability, the president said in an online statement that sustainable peace can only be achieved through dialogue, mutual respect for sovereignty and adherence to international law.
Pakistan remained actively engaged with regional and international stakeholders to ease tensions between the United States and Iran, he said, adding that his country will continue to support all sincere initiatives that advance de-escalation and a lasting peace across the region.
The president also cautioned that the current momentum towards de-escalation remained fragile, noting that the broader understanding underpinning the ongoing two-week cessation of hostilities between the United States and Iran envisaged restraint included in Lebanon.
Any deviation from this spirit risks aggravating tensions, he said, stressing the importance of restraint and responsible conduct by all parties at this crucial juncture. ■
