May 30, 2002	Thursday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 17,1423

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WASHINGTON, May 29: The United States warned India and Pakistan on Wednesday that if they allowed their relations to deteriorate further, “irresponsible elements” in the two countries could exploit the situation to trigger a war.

“It’s vital for everyone involved to do their utmost to reduce violence, lower the rhetoric, exercise restraint,” said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher.

“The climate is very charged and a serious conflagration could ensue if events spiral out of control.”

“There is a danger that as tensions escalate the leaders could find themselves in a situation in which irresponsible elements can spark a conflict,” he added.—AFP