ISLAMABAD, April 28: US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage will be accompanied by two key aides during his visit to the region early next month, Dawn learnt on Monday.

Mr Armitage will arrive here on May 7 along with Christina Rocca, Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia and Paul Kelly, Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs, sources said.

Officials in Islamabad said that the “main emphasis” of the talks would be on early resumption of dialogue between Pakistan and India.

The State Department spokesman said last week that the Bush administration hoped that the visit would promote “peace and stability” in the region.

“Mr Armitage is scheduled to arrive here with his team on May 7, he will hold talks on May 8 and leave for Afghanistan the following day,” a senior official told Dawn.