Boucher welcomes Indo-Pak dialogue process

New Delhi, Apr 7 (UNI) US assistant-Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Richard Boucher, today welcomed the India-Pakistan dialogue process and said Washington would like to see a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir problem that is acceptable to both the neighbouring countries and can foster lasting peace throughout the region.

Speaking at a seminar on 'The US-India Friendship : Where we were and where we're going', organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here Mr Boucher said that the United States encouraged the Indian government to continue the progress in relations with Pakistan.

He said that recent statements by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf had attracted considerable favourable international interest and there was no dearth of ideas circulating for ways the two countries could establish greater trade, transport linkages and people-to-people contact.

''I think everyone believes now is the time for India and Pakistan to press for further progress and achieve the unlimited potential that occurs when two neighbours trade openly and freely with each other.'' Expressing the US desire to work with the SAARC he said Washington saw great promise in working together with the SAARC saying SAFTA was an opportunity for all countries in South Asia to help make free trade in the region a reality.

The South Asian region would benefit from the positive development of the Central Asian countries.

He welcomed India's participation in endeavours reinforcing Afghanistan's new-found status as an open corridor rather than a barrier that separates South from Central Asia.

UNI RB LS BS2023