US rejects Pak's request to mediate on Kashmir issue

Washington, Mar.24 (ANI): The United States has rejected Pakistan's request to assist it in restarting the stalled composite talks with India to address long pending issues, including Kashmir.

Responding to queries during a joint press conference with Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, President Obama's Special Envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke said issues concerning India and Pakistan should be resolved bilaterally.

Holbrooke said the White House does not see a role for it in resolving issues between the two neighbouring countries unless they (India and Pakistan) want it to mediate.

He parried questions over Kashmir, saying he is not mandated to speak on the topic.

Holbrooke , however, said Washington would continue to encourage both New Delhi and Islamabad to talk to each other on all issues.

Commenting on the first strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the US, Holbrooke said the dialogue between the two countries would be an important milestone in strengthening the relationship between both nations. (ANI)