WASHINGTON – The United States will support talks between India andPakistan, hints senior US diplomat Alice G. Wells at a news briefing onMonday.
She said that the United States had sent a two-pronged message to Pakistan:a desire to engage constructively and an emphasis on the need for Pakistanto implement its promises to fight all terrorist groups.
Asked if Pakistan had sent a message through US Secretary of State MichaelPompeo on India-Pakistan dialogue and if that was raised during Mr Pompeo’smeeting with the Indian foreign minister, she did not say if such a messagewas received and delivered.
Secretary Pompeo visited both Islamabad and New Delhi last week. InIslamabad, he met Prime Minister Imran Khan, other members of the newgovernment and Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER AD
In New Delhi, he participated in the Two-plus-Two talks between India andthe United States. The US military chief, Gen Joseph Dunford, accompaniedhim on both the visits.
Apparently, the two visits were not linked but media reports claimed thatIslamabad did ask Mr Pompeo to convey its desire to Indian leaders forrestarting talks between the two neighbouring states.
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“In general, the United States supports dialogue between India and Pakistanthat can reduce tensions,” said Ms Wells, without confirming or denying ifIslamabad had sent such a message.
“We understand and had frequent conversations with the Indian partners onthe expectations that there would be demonstrable reduction in cross-borderterrorism or infiltration that would help create the confidence fordialogue to take place,” she added.
Ms Wells said the US had also welcomed the positive messages that wereexchanged between Prime Minister Khan and Prime Minister Narendra Modiafter Mr Khan’s election and deferred to the two governments on how theycould build on what were already existing structures.
