Deploring Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's war rhetoric on the one hand, US Congressman Frank Pallone has, on the other hand, praised Prime Minister Mir Zafrullah Khan Jamali for his "encouraging statements" and urged him to forge good relations with India.

In a letter to Jamali, Pallone, founder of the India Caucus, said: "As you know, members of Islamic fundamentalist parties, with both anti-American and anti-Indian platforms, were successful in the October parliamentary elections. In response to increased pressure from these groups, President Musharraf attempted to appease the Islamic parties with talks of a 'non-conventional' war with India."

"Although I appreciate General Quereshi's clarification that Musharraf was not referring to nuclear arms, overall, the specific comments made by Musharraf do not seem to bode well for diplomacy between the two nations on Kashmir issues," he said.

Pointing to "encouraging statements made last month by Jamali," Pallone said he was hopeful that 2003 would mark a year of improved relations between India and Pakistan and in due course, peace and stability in the South Asian region. 

"I am encouraged by a few positive developments, particularly your (Jamali's) statement of intent to improve relations with India during your term in office," Pallone said in his letter, adding "I congratulate you on publicly expressing your willingness to work with New Delhi and I would hope that you aim to use your newly elected position to steer Pakistan in a positive direction.

"Additionally, the recent transparent state elections in Kashmir and its newly elected government can perhaps play a role in helping India and Pakistan arrive at successful negotiations on the Kashmir issue," Pallone said.

He felt the recent release in Pakistan of two leaders of the Jaish-e-Muhammad, who are allegedly the masterminds behind the attack on the Indian Parliament in December 2001, was cause for grave concern.

Although these recent events were discouraging, Pallone said he recognises several windows of opportunities for bilateral talks between India and Pakistan.