Between States, as between individuals, friendly relations can prosper only on basis of equality and respect for each other's rights and dignity. The same irrefutable logic is built into the Charter of the United Nations. To save humanity from war, the Charter rules out threat or use of force in international relations. Instead it calls for settlement of differences and disputes by peaceful means and in conformity with the principles of justice and international law. The Charter prescribes resort to negotiations, conciliation, mediation, arbitration or adjudication for peaceful settlement of disputes.
Negotiations are the obvious first choice.
If the parties can themselves find an acceptable solution, that is good for them as well as their friends and, indeed, for world peace and security. The problem arises when one of the parties refuses to hold purposeful negotiations. The Kashmir Question has hung fire for 54 years. It triggered wars and remains a threat to peace. Three years ago, in the wake of nuclear tests, the Security Council described Kashmir as a root cause of tensions, and called for a dialogue.