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Bush-Vajpayee summit positive, productive: White House

T V Parasuram in Washington

The United States has described the meeting between Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and President George W Bush as 'very positive, very productive'.

"The Prime Minister told the President that India stands shoulder to shoulder with the United States. The discussions were very positive, very productive," Press Secretary Ari Fleischer, who was present for part of the Bush-Vajpayee meeting, told reporters.

Asked about their discussions on the Kashmir issue, he said, "On the topic of Kashmir, the President believes that it is very important for both parties to engage in a peaceful dialogue, to have a peaceful resolution of any of the disputes involving Kashmir. That is the President's message."

On whether Vajpayee raised the issue of cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan, he said, "The President has made it very clear to India -- has said it repeatedly, he said it publicly, he said it privately -- he condemned the October 1 attack (on the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative assembly), and I think the Prime Minister understands the President's position."

To a question if there was any hint of concern on the part of India on the growing ties between the US and Pakistan, Fleischer said, "No, it was a very positive discussion."

He said Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell had made it clear to Vajpayee and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf the importance of promoting stability in the region.

When pressed further on the issue, Fleischer said, "Not in the portion of the meeting I was in. But again, in previous meetings, there was a general understanding about the sensitivities in the region and the need for stability... in all the conversations the President has had and that he will have, including tomorrow at the United Nations with President Musharraf, the President will discuss the need for stability in the region and for a peaceful resolution between India and Pakistan."

"And both nations understand the importance of winning this war against terrorism and both nations have supported the US and the President is gratified by that," he said.

Related Reports:
India, US to fight terrorism jointly
Joint Statement mum on Kashmir, Pakistan | Text

America's War on Terror: The Complete Coverage
The Attack on US Cities: The Complete Coverage

The Terrorism Weblog: Latest Stories from Around the World

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