Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE= 7-17-2001

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-278345

TITLE=U-S-INDIA-PAKISTAN (L-ONLY)

BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST

DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Here in Washington, Bush administration officials are describing the India-Pakistan summit as an important step forward, even if there was no agreement on the critical issue of Kashmir. VOA's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

TEXT: The summit in Agra ended abruptly with the two sides unable even to agree on the wording of a joint declaration. But U-S diplomats are taking strong exception to suggestions the meeting was a failure, or a step backward in relations between the two South Asian powers.

Briefing reporters, State Department spokesman Philip Reeker said the important point is that top-level dialogue was restored between India and Pakistan and they intend to continue it:

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What we saw and what we welcome was an end to the two-year freeze in high-level contacts -- an important step in itself. And we saw a serious and constructive atmosphere with the two leaders meeting, which we believe shows that both sides are committed to resolving their differences. While they didn't reach a final agreement, or agreement on a final joint statement, as I said, it's important to keep the meeting in perspective.

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Spokesman Reeker said resolving the more-than half-century-old Kashmir problem will obviously be a difficult and lengthy process, but that there can be no military solution to the territorial dispute.

He welcomed the agreement for Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to visit Islamabad later this year to continue the dialogue with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, as well as the expressed intention of the two foreign ministers to hold further meetings.

The Indian and Pakistani leaders also intend to meet in September on the sidelines of the U-N General Assembly in New York, at which they may have their first I- person contact with President Bush. (Signed)

NEB/DAG/FC