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U.S. official Calls for Reduciton of Kashmir Tension
Visiting U.S. Under Secretary of State Thomas Pickering Saturday said progress on the issue of Kashmir could reduce tension and potential of war between India and Pakistan but he did not expect early resumption of dialogue.
The United States believes that reduction of violence in Kashmir can help open dialogue between the two countries. Both India and Pakistan have to contribute towards this end, Pickering told reporters.
"We don't yet see a dialogue being started. We believe the dialogue is important to calm the situation and increase a search for peace," he said.
Pickering said Washington hoped for signs of an early reduction of violence in Kashmir and "this is something that obviously both Pakistan and India can find ways to contribute to. We hope this will help start dialogue between them.
Pickering said during his talks both in New Delhi and Islamabad, he found a "remarkable conjunctions of views"between the leadership on the two sides. They are committed to find ways for a solution of their differences and reduce the chances of a conflict, he added.
"It is encouraging for me," he said. Pickering said he was impressed by the urge on the two sides to seek a peaceful settlement of their dispute.
The solution of the Kashmir dispute would contribute towards the peace and stability in South Asia, he said.
The United States is not a mediator but would only play a role if asked by both India and Pakistan, he added.
The U.S. under secretary arrived on Thursday and held a meeting with Pakistan's Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf on Friday.
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