US to closely follow Indo-Pak talks

The US government will closely follow the Indo-Pakistan dialogue and attempt to encourage both the governments to address some of the fundamental questions that have caused tensions between them.

White House spokesman Mike McCurry said this was being done at the behest of President Bill Clinton.

''Clinton sees within South Asia the opportunity for reconciliation, for a dialogue that will allow both the governments to address the disagreements they have, particularly on the disputed territory of Kashmir,'' McCurry said.

Asked about Clinton's proposed visit to New Delhi and Islamabad early next year, McCurry said the president was enthusiastic about having an opportunity to make this visit.

Before the president's visit, Secretary of State Madelein Albright, Deputy Secretary of State Thomas Pickering, Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala and other top US officials will visit the region over the next several months.

UNI

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