The Hindu : Some positive movement, says U.S.

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jun 11, 2002

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Some positive movement, says U.S.

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON JUNE 10. The Bush administration is saying that the although the crisis between India and Pakistan is not over, it does show signs of "abating'' and that there has been some positive discussions and positive movements. At the same time, the U.S. is not prepared to change its advice to American nationals who have been "strongly urged'' to depart.

"...the crisis is not over, even though it does show signs of abating; and we've seen some positive discussions and now some positive movement. But we need to continue to be careful. The basic situation of mobilised armies on both sides remains and can always be dangerous,'' the State Department spokesman, Richard Boucher, said today. "We welcome signs that tensions are beginning to lessen. These include positive statements by the leadership of both countries, and now India's announcement that Pakistani aircraft can resume flights over Indian territory... We welcome reports that additional measures are being considered to lower the threat of an escalation of armed conflict'', Mr. Boucher remarked at the start of his regular briefing.

Step in the right direction: Straw

PTI reports from London:

Britain today reacted positively to India's decision to lift overflight ban on Pakistani aircraft terming it as a step in the right direction but cautioned terrorism remained a threat and Indo-Pak situation still precarious. Tensions between India and Pakistan have ``eased a little'' but the situation is still precarious and terrorism is still a threat'', the British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, said in the House of Commons today. Mr. Straw who had visited both the countries recently, concurred with India's charge that ``terrorism (from across the border) has had the covert support of the Inter-Services Intelligence of Pakistan.

Pak. to respond positively

A report from Islamabad said today that the Pakistan Government would respond positively to India's decision to lift ban on flight restrictions after the latter communicates it officially and asked New Delhi to follow it up with pullout of troops from the border. ``If India wants to reconsider its decision and return towards normalcy it is welcome'', the Pakistan Foreign Minister, Abdul Sattar, told Pakistan state television tonight from Abu Dhabi

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