US urges direct Pak-India talks to reduce tensions

ISLAMABAD: The United States (US) has urged India and Pakistan to re-start direct dialogue to reduce tensions in South Asia. Without directly commenting on the provocative statement of Indian army chief General Bipin Rawat on crossing Pakistani border, the US Embassy Spokesperson in Islamabad Richard W Snelsire called for dialogue between the two countries.

“We believe that India and Pakistan stand to benefit from practical cooperation. We encourage India and Pakistan to engage in direct dialogue aimed at reducing tensions,” the spokesperson told The News.

To a question, Snelsire also maintained that despite visit of the US Acting Assistant Secretary of State Alice Wells, there has been “no change in the suspension of security assistance” to Pakistan.