United Nations, Sep 26 (IANS): The issue of Kashmir was a "symbol of the failures" of the UN, and a resolution could only be arrived in an "environment of cooperation", Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari told the UN General Assembly.

Zardari affirmed Pakistan's resolve to support the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, which has long been the subject of contention for both countries, the UN News Centre said on its website.

"Kashmir remains a symbol of the failures, rather than strengths of the UN system. We feel that resolution of these issues can only be arrived in an environment of cooperation," Zardari was quoted as saying.

The Pakistani president told the 67th General Assembly that his country had undergone "unprecedented reforms", and also through many difficulties in achieving them.

On authoritarianism and terrorism, Zardari said his country's current troubles were "a product of dictatorships".

"These dictators and their regimes are responsible for suffocating and throttling Pakistan, Pakistan's institutions, and Pakistani democracy," he said.

He said the UN represents people's "aspirations for peace and development", but that it needs reform, and "must become more democratic and more accountable".