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US urges restraint over Kashmir

The White House has expressed concern about reports of escalation in the fighting in Kashmir, urging restraint to both the Indian government and authorities in Pakistan.

Its spokesman, Mike Hammer, last night said the United States wanted India and Pakistan to resolve their differences directly. ''We hope they will be able to do so quickly in the context of the Lahore agreement.''

Earlier, a State Department official said, ''We understand that the two prime ministers had discussed the issue over telephone and we encourage them to keep in touch.''

He said the US had instructed its embassies in New Delhi and Islamabad to express concern over the fighting and urge both countries ''to work to reduce tension".

''The latest fighting underlined the pressing need for India and Pakistan to resolve their differences. We hope they will be able to do this quickly in the spirit of the Lahore summit between the two prime ministers,'' he added.

UNI

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