May 7, 2003	Wednesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 4, 1424

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WASHINGTON, May 6: The United States on Tuesday welcomed the latest confidence-building measures announced by Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali and said any step that lowers tensions between India and Pakistan is important.

“These measures will generate some momentum and both countries will be able to move towards re-establishing full relations,” a State Department official told Dawn.

“We welcome steps by both countries to lower tensions and heighten confidence,” the official added.

Asked if restarting cricket and hockey matches would also help reduce tensions, he said: “Every improvement is important.”

The official noted that the America had also been urging both India and Pakistan to take confidence-building measures before tackling the key issue of Kashmir.

“It is important that they have a relationship before they try to handle this big issue,” the official said, adding that the US would not like to suggest what measures to take and how to go about building confidence. “We leave this to them to work out.”

Asked if the SAARC could play a role in improving bilateral relations, the official said: “The SAARC is a good tool by which all countries in south Asia can enhance their cooperation. Although it is not designed to be a political organization, in the past SAARC has served as a good venue for meetings. “But what role should the SAARC play in such issues is up to its members to decide,” he added.

The official also welcomed the prime minister’s decision to release 26 Indian fishermen as a goodwill gesture, noting that both countries had been often arresting each other’s fishermen.

Meanwhile, diplomatic sources told Dawn that Islamabad had already informed the Bush administration that it was going to announce a set of confidence-building measures before the prime minister made them public.

The State Department, however, was cautious in reacting to Pakistan’s earlier offer to give up its nuclear weapons if India did the same.

“It’s good to see them making this proposal, but a great deal of work needs to be done before this could be implemented,” the official added. “There are steps that both countries are going to have to make a decision about it as they strive to improve bilateral relations,” he added.