India won't ignite conflict: Powell

WASHINGTON, OCT. 11. The United States does not believe that India might try to take advantage of the prevailing situation in the region and ignite a conflict with Pakistan, the Secretary of State, Gen. Colin Powell, has said.

``I don't think that will be the case,'' Gen. Powell told CBS-TV when asked whether the U.S. was concerned that India might try to take advantage of the situation and ignite a conflict while the world is distracted. ``In fact, we have been in touch with both governments and they both realise the volatile nature of this situation and I think both of them understand this is not the time for provocative action, which would cause the situation in the region to become unstable.''

He said he was ``pleased'' that the Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, and the Pakistani President, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, spoke to each other within the past few days, ``and we are in touch with the Foreign Ministry officials in both countries as well''.

Both countries had been very forthcoming in terms of the support in the U.S.-led campaign against terrorism. ``Pakistan is on the front lines of it, really, because of their proximity to Afghanistan, and President Musharraf has done quite a number of very, very important things. The Indians have also been very forthcoming with the support that they have given.''

On his coming visit to India and Pakistan, Gen. Powell said, ``I want to go to consult with the leaders in the region, get their assessment, and let them know of American support for their efforts and American interest in the issues that affect those two very important countries on the subcontinent.''

- PTI

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