| Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC October 17, 2002 India Pakistan De-escalationThe decision by India to withdraw some troops from its border with Pakistan and the reciprocal announcement of Pakistan that it will also pull back some of its forces are significant and far-reaching developments, which demonstrate a commitment by India and Pakistan to reduce the risk of hostilities between their countries. We warmly welcome these developments. We have long been concerned about the tensions generated by the high state of mobilization along the border and the Line of Control in Kashmir and the resulting increased risk of an outbreak of hostilities between the forces of the two countries. The announced reductions will lead to a lessening of tensions and risks. We urge both countries to continue to take steps to reduce the threat of conflict and create an atmosphere allowing resumption of dialogue, which is the only way their differences can be resolved. The United States and others in the international community will continue to encourage these two countries in these efforts. |
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