WASHINGTON, July 18: US President George W. Bush on Monday refused to guarantee the inviolability of the Line of Control saying that such a decision could only be taken by the leaders of India and Pakistan. After a White House meeting with visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Mr Bush announced the completion of an agreement — the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership — which he said would enhance the Indo-US cooperation “in the areas of civil nuclear, civil space, and high technology commerce.”

Later at a news conference, during which two Indian and two American reporters were allowed to ask one question each, Mr Bush was reminded that the then US president Bill Clinton’s Kashmir policy emphasized the inviolability of the LoC, urging both India and Pakistan not to allow cross-border activities.

“Would you, Mr president, like to reaffirm the US stand that the sanctity of the Line of Control cannot be violated by anyone in future,” Mr Bush was asked. “Well, the US policy’s not changed. This problem will be solved by India and Pakistan. And our role is to encourage the leaders from both countries to work in good faith to solve this longstanding problem,” Mr Bush replied.

He said he was pleased with the progress India and Pakistan had so far made towards resolving this issue and urged the people of India to appreciate this. “I think the people of India ought to applaud strong leaders that are willing to work to achieve peace,” he added.

The US president said his country had an opportunity to help “facilitate the dialogue on this longstanding issue” of Kashmir, “but the truth of the matter is, in order for there to be a solution, the prime minister, representing the great people of India, and President Musharraf, representing the people of Pakistan, are going to have to come to a mutually acceptable agreement.”

Reasserting that the US was ‘not a party’ to any agreement India and Pakistan may reach to resolve the Kashmir dispute, Mr Bush said: “To the extent we can help, we’re more than willing to try to help.”

Emphasizing his faith in the India-Pakistan peace process, he said: “And I’m hopeful — I’m hopeful — I’m hopeful that the progress achieved thus far can be continued. And I applauded the prime minister in my private meeting with him for taking a step toward peace.”

The next question was addressed to the Indian prime minister, asking him how far he had succeeded in seeking the removal of US restrictions on nuclear and high-technology supplies to India. “I think we have had a very constructive and productive meeting. And as you would see from the joint statement, this issue has been addressed in a manner that gives me great satisfaction,” he said.

“I thanked President (Bush) for his personal role and interest in facilitating a solution to this complex problem.”

Earlier, in their opening statements both President Bush and Prime Minister Singh stressed the importance of building a closer relationship between the two democracies.

“India and the United States share a commitment to freedom and a belief that democracy provides the best path to a more hopeful future for all people,” said Mr Bush. “We also believe that the spread of liberty is the best alternative to hatred and violence.”

Mr Bush, however, declined to fulfil one of Mr Singh’s top wishes — support for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Mr Singh said he still made his case to Mr Bush during their Oval Office meeting.

“India has a compelling case for permanent membership on the Security Council,” Mr Singh said. “We are convinced that India can significantly contribute to UN decision-making and capabilities.” Although US officials have said that Mr Singh was getting a firm ‘no’ on his request, the Indian prime minister said he looked for common ground. “In our talks, the president and I were of one mind that the contemporary reality must be fully reflected in the central organs and decision-making processes of the UN,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Bush rolled out full pomp and pageantry for the Indian leader’s visit with a bewigged fife and drum corps marching across the South Lawn during the welcome ceremony. The two leaders walked side-by-side and inspected a long line of troops in dress uniform. US officials say the pomp was designed to emphasize India’s growing importance to the United States as a rising economic power and a future military ally.

“Our nations believe in freedom, and our nations are confronting global terrorism,” Mr Bush said on the occasion. “As diplomatic partners, we’re meeting this threat in our own nations and abroad.

The relationship between our two nations has never been stronger, and it will grow even closer in the days and years to come.” After the press conference, the two leaders left for the meeting of the CEOs’ Forum which President Bush described as ‘a definite landmark in Indo-US ties.’