Holbrooke rules out mediation

Vehicles cross the Aman Sethu on way to Muzzafarabad. Ahead of crucial talks, U.S. on Wednesday ruled out mediating between India and Pakistan on key issues including Kashmir. File Photo: Nissar Ahmad

India and Pakistan should resolve disputes bilaterally and the United States administration does not see a role for itself unless called upon by both countries to mediate, Richard Holbrooke, Special Representative to Pakistan and Afghanistan said here.

Speaking at a joint press conference with the Pakistani Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, Mr. Holbrooke added that Washington would continue to encourage both New Delhi and Islamabad to talk to each other on all issues.

However he refused to comment on Kashmir, saying that he did not have a mandate to do so.

Mr. Holbrooke added that the recent Strategic Dialogue between the U.S. and Pakistan would be a key milestone in strengthening the relationship between the two countries.