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Tensions between India, Pak 'worrying': Annan

Describing tensions between India and Pakistan as 'worrying', United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on Tuesday stressed that the effort at conflict prevention must be not merely to postpone violence for a few weeks or months, but to build the foundation of sustainable peace.

"I'm working very closely with other world leaders to try and help de-escalate the situation," Annan, who is currently visiting Moscow, said.

Annan said he expected the efforts by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Jiang Zemin would 'help reduce tensions (between India and Pakistan) and save us from any further escalation'.

He added he was in touch with both Vajpayee and Musharraf.

Meanwhile, in a message delivered at the Asian Security Summit in Almaty, Annan also called for development of a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism, which includes a 'vigorous response' as also steps to address the issues poverty, economic inequality and political exclusion.

"I am thinking of in particular the need to ensure sustained and long-term economic and economic assistance to Afghanistan as it emerges from years of anarchy and instability," he said.

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