New Delhi, July 19 (ANI): Visiting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday said that Washington welcomes the resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan, describing it as the most promising approach to resolve bilateral issues and disputes between the two countries.
Responding to a question during her joint press conference with Indian External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna at Hyderabad House here, Clinton said: "We are encouraged by dialogue occurring between India and Pakistan. This is the most promising approach -to encourage both sides to build more confidence. I have been brief by Minister Krishna, the Indian National Security Advisor (Shiv Shankar Menon) and the Indian side about the progress being made (in the dialogue and through other initiatives)."
Clinton, who was responding to a question on the "stop-start" mode of India-Pakistan talks, further said that an improved atmosphere (in the regiion) was necessary to deal with underlying problem of terrorism.
Referring to the US stand on terrorism and its approach to Pakistan in dealing with the menace, the Secretary of State said: "We do see Pakistan as a key ally in fight against terrorism. We have made the point repeatedly to our Pakistani colleagues that terrorists threaten both of us, terrorists have threatened more Pakistanis in bombing of mosques and markets, police stations and government buildings than Americans."
"We recognize that Pakistan must act on its behalf first and foremost. We want mutual recognition that we cannot tolerate a safe haven for terrorists anywhere. When we know the location of terrorists whose intentions are clear, we need to work together. We do not believe there are any terrorist who should be given a safe haven or free pass by any government," she added.
She further said: "I want to mention the emphasis we placed (in the Indo-US dialogue this morning) on homeland security and counter-terrorism. That is, first and foremost on all of our minds after the bombings in Mumbai last week. Let me convey our deep sympathy and outrage to the people of India."
"After 26/11, we made it very clear that there was an absolute international responsibility to cooperate to bring the perpetrators (of the attack) to justice. We have made that equally and forcefully clear to Pakistan-that it has an obligation to do so fully, transparently and urgently. We intend to continue to press as hard as possible," Clinton said.
During the interaction, Krishna revealed: "We had good discussions on terrorism in our region. Both sides remain committed to comprehensive sharing of information on Mumbai terror attack of 2008. We agreed on more sharing of cyber-intelligence and security. We understand importance of elimination of terror sanctuaries in Pakistan for regional stability and Pakistan's future." (ANI)
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