US urges restraint to end Pak-India troop standoff

Washington, Dec.27 (ANI): The United States has expressed serious concerns about the movement of Pakistani troops towards the international border with India.

Washington has said that any irresponsible step taken by either of the two countries will further worsen the situation in the region.

"We hope that both sides will avoid taking steps that will unnecessarily raise tensions during these already tense times," the News quoted White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe, as saying.

The U.S. is not only concerned about a tussle between the two nuclear power countries of the region, but is worried more about its 'war on terror' against the Taliban along the western Afghan border. Any military combat with India would mean Pakistan shifting forces from the western border to the east, thus leading to a set-back in the operations led by the U.S against the Taliban.

U.S. military leaders have been urging both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint in the wake of the deadly Mumbai attacks that many believe were executed by Pakistan-based militants.

Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen has visited Pakistan twice this month, and as many as seven times in the past year to reduce the flaring tension between India and Pakistan.

Adm. Mullen has urged restraint and encouraged both sides to find ways to work together in his meetings with the leadership of Pakistan.

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Adm.Mullen, both have expressed hope that Pakistan would stay focused on fighting militants in its mountainous northwestern Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). (ANI)