WASHINGTON, April 29: The United States on Tuesday described the telephonic conversation between the prime ministers of India and Pakistan as “a welcome gesture.”

While hoping that this could lead to a new beginning of peace in South Asia, senior US officials noted that the two countries have made several false starts during the past two weeks.

“They take one step forward one day, only to withdraw it the next,” said one official. “We welcome the news but caution is probably a wise thing,” he added.

Asked for official comments, a State Department official said: “We are pleased and encouraged. It is a welcome step forward.”

He hoped that such contacts between the two states lead to “reducing tensions and the beginning of a process of engagement.”

“They are demonstrating a desire for a peaceful future and we hope that they continue to move forward,” he added.

The official said he saw no connection between this gesture of peace and a scheduled visit to South Asia by US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage who arrives in the region on Monday.

“It started with Mr Vajpayee’s public statement last week that he was willing to talk to Pakistan and Islamabad’s positive follow up,” the official said. He said that the United States would continue to encourage India and Pakistan to engage and was ready to help them resolve their differences if they request. “We are trying to help, not offering to media,” he added.