'Indo-Pak. issues important for U.S.'

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, JULY 11. The Bush administration has said that while the outcome of the coming Agra summit will have to be left to the Governments of India and Pakistan, the issues the two countries are going to deal with was not only important to them but also to the United States.

``I think we will leave the outcome to the two Governments,'' the State Department Spokesman, Mr. Richard Boucher, said during a press briefing.

``The question of India and Pakistan and the issues they are going to deal with are very important to them and to the United States. We look forward to them to establish a base of cooperation to produce a more peaceful and stable situation in the region. And it is our hope that they will do that,'' he added.

Asked if Washington was offering any specific recommendations, Mr. Boucher said, ``I think I will leave that to our representatives in the field''. The State Department further said that no specific date has been set for the Secretary of State, Gen. Colin Powell's visit to South Asia. ``The Secretary has told various people in the region that he looks forward to visit Asia, but there is no particular timing scheduled. That means he will be visiting after the summit. ''

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