International

Russia urges restraint

By Vladimir Radyuhin

MOSCOW MAY 22. Russia has renewed its call to India and Pakistan for restraint to avoid an "open'' armed conflict, while at the same time condemning cross-border terrorism. The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Alexander Losyukov, had told the Indian Ambassador in Moscow, Krishnan Raghunath, that "an open armed conflict would have grave consequences for security and stability, even outside the region, and, therefore, both sides should display utmost prudence in their actions,'' the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement to the press. This is the second time in three days that Russia urged restraint in South Asia.

Mr. Losyukov expressed "strong condemnation'' of cross-border terrorist attacks after he was briefed by the Indian envoy on Delhi's stand and on measures being taken to handle the situation.

``Russia understands India's concern over the continuing terrorist activity of extremist organisations from Pakistan-controlled territory,'' the Foreign Ministry said. The Russian diplomat met the Indian envoy two days before a Russian-U. S. summit in Moscow, where the Indo-Pakistani crisis is expected to be discussed.

``Moscow and Washington could do a lot jointly to defuse tension between India and Pakistan, as both have great clout in the region,'' said Leonid Ivashov, former head of the Russian Defence Ministry's Foreign Relations Department. However, he doubted whether the U. S was eager to help. ``The U. S., which has serious influence on Pakistan, is doing nothing to reign it in and resolve the crisis,'' the hardline General said. "This stand is in line with Washington's broader policy of fomenting crises and conflicts throughout the world.''

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