Kerry to support India-Pakistan detente
Daily Times
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(posted by: Aslam Khwaja, lathrolak@...)

WASHINGTON: Sen John Kerry has said that his administration will
focus on developments in South Asia on a consistent basis, not only
when crises arise.

In an exclusive interview with Aziz Haniffa of India Abroad, due for
publication this week, the Democratic contender for the presidency
said short-term crisis management in the region is not enough. He
quoted an Asia Society task force report which said the US should
adopt a "more active, and more forward-leaning American approach" to
help India and Pakistan sustain efforts to normalise relations.

Kerry said, "As President, that is the approach I will take. I will
work to promote intra-regional trade, including a normal economic
relationship between India and Pakistan – this is an important
confidence building measure. But we must keep in mind one
fundamental fact. It is up to the two countries to reconcile long-
standing differences, including Kashmir. The process must be `home-
grown.' But we should do everything we can to support it." Asked
that since US policy over the years has been to encourage India and
Pakistan to resolve differences, including Kashmir, bilaterally and
Washington has made it clear it will not mediate unless asked to by
both sides, what will he as President do, he replied, "We all have
an interest in seeing the Kashmir issue resolved in a fair and
equitable and – this is essential – peaceful manner.

The Indians, and Pakistanis, have an even more direct interest in
wanting to ensure this problem does not impede the progress made
over the past year. The solution rests in New Delhi, Islamabad, and
Srinagar. No solution can be imposed from the outside. The US role
over the years has been largely passive, reactive, and – with one or
two exceptions, as when President Clinton persuaded Pakistan to turn
back at the time." khalid hassan