NEW YORK, Jan 15: A State Department official said on Wednesday the United States was "very satisfied" with the assurances given by President Musharraf that he would act decisively to investigate cases of nuclear proliferation and act to prevent further cases.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Press Center, spokesman Adam Ereli reiterated that the issue of proliferation from Pakistan was a matter of concern for the United States, saying "we have discussed it with the government of Pakistan."

Mr Ereli said: "We have received assurances from President Musharraf that he will act decisively to investigate possible cases of proliferation and act to prevent further cases."

"To date, we have been very satisfied with President Musharraf and his fulfilment of those commitments," he stressed. Asked about the high technology cooperation with India announced by President Bush on Monday and its impact on the South Asian security situation, Mr Ereli said: "The so-called "Glide Path Programme," and its impact on Pakistan - I don't think it should have an impact."

He said: "It is possible we can discuss with Pakistan missile defence, for example. The key thing here is export controls, regulatory controls, following through on commitments in a phased approach."

Mr Ereli added: "It just depends on how far things get along. But with Pakistan, missile defence is something that we are perfectly willing to discuss."

He reaffirmed the United States had a strong bilateral relationship with India. "We have a strong bilateral relationship with Pakistan. We see those relationships as mutually reinforcing."

As regards the US relationship with India and Pakistan, he pointed out that one did not come at the expense of the other. "We deal with each country on its merits, not as a function of our interest with the other country."

KASHMIR: Asked whether the Kashmir issue would figure during Indian Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha's visit to Washington next week, Mr Ereli said: "Obviously, to the extent that you are talking about South Asian security, it's going to come up."