'We all have a stake in civilian govt in Pakistan:Rice

New Delhi, Oct 4 (UNI) The United States today said all countries had a stake in a successful civilian government in Pakistan that can face challenges and good relations between New Delhi and Islamabad would help peace in the region.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who held discussions with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee here today, said the US encouraged a dialogue between India and Pakistan, as it was vital for peace in the region.

The two who discussed several issues including situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan, were addressing a joint press conference after their hour-long discussions.

''We all have a stake in a successful civilian government in Pakistan that can face challenges.

Pakistan, more than anyone else, has to fight terrorism. Good relations between India and Pakistan will help. Both sides have full understanding of that,'' she said.

The External Affairs Minister, while pointing out that both contries have a Joint Anti-Terror Mechanism im place, said in reply to a question that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was assured by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari during their recent meeting that Pakistan would not allow its territory to be used for anti- India activity.

Dr Singh and Mr Zardari met in New York on September 24 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

UNI RB SV BST2010