Rediff On The NeT: Clinton visit not a sign of US approval: Albright

President Bill Clinton's upcoming visit to India is not a sign of Washington's absolute approval of the country's policies and will focus on issues of deep concern to the United States, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said on Monday.

"The trip is one that will be important, but it is not just a sign that everything has been dealt with and all the problems have been resolved," Albright told reporters.

She specifically referred to India's ongoing conflict with Pakistan over the disputed province of Kashmir and nuclear non-proliferation issues, but said Washington was keen to keep ties with New Delhi on solid footing.

"The United States has made quite clear that having a relationship with the world's largest democracy is important," Albright said.

"But obviously we continue to have very serious concerns about the issues of non-proliferation and about the dealings on Kashmir, and hope very much that the Indian government understands and will continue to deal with those issues because they are essential," she said.

India and Pakistan, now both nuclear states, have fought two of their three wars over the province of Kashmir, which both claim.

Despite heavy US pressure neither India nor Pakistan have signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, a subject that Clinton is likely to raise with Indian officials.

Clinton's five-day visit to India -- due to begin in New Delhi on March 20 -- is to be followed by a one-day trip to Bangladesh. The current absence of Pakistan on the itinerary, however, has upset officials in the military government in Islamabad.

White House officials have not ruled out such a stop but have made clear they want to see military leader, General Pervez Musharraf, who seized power in a coup last year, outline definite steps toward a return to civilian government.

In addition, Washington has expressed concern over support for alleged terrorist groups by elements of the Islamabad government.

US officials are also concerned about its ties to Afghanistan's ruling Taliban militia, who are harbouring US nemesis Osama bin Laden, suspected of masterminding the 1998 bombings of the American embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.

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