India and Pakistan should build confidence:US

Washington, May 29: US has said that it is not the appropriate time for India and Pakistan to hold discussions on the Kashmir issue as they first need to build confidence and trust among them.

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake said at a special news conference while replying to a question on India yesterday, May28. "I think that's not going to be an issue that's going to be addressed right away,".

Blake pointed out that the initiative should be taken by India and Pakistan but before going for talks they should go for building confidence among themselves.

"I think, again, that what's most important is first to get these talks going again and to focus on once they've gotten beyond the immediate counter-terrorism issues, to focus on some of the important opportunities like trade that exist between these two countries,".

Blake also felt after building the trust it will be easy for both the countries to talk on more serious and sensitive issues.

On being asked about India's role in the Afghanistan and Pakistan's holding reservations about it he was of the opinion that India is
doing constructive work and helping by giving economic assistance to Afghanistan. He said that all our cabinet has welcomed India's role in Afghanistan

OneIndia News