No change in policy on Kashmir, says US

WASHINGTON: Expressing concern over violence along the Line of Control ( LoC), the United States has said there is no change in its policy on Kashmir and that it is for India and Pakistan to determine the "pace, scope and character" of their cross-border dialogue.

"We remain concerned about the violence along the Line of Control. We understand that the governments of India and Pakistan are in contact. We continue to encourage further dialogue," State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters, yesterday.

"As you know, our policy on Kashmir has not changed. We still believe that the pace, scope, and character of India and Pakistan's dialogue is for those two countries to determine," Psaki said.

While there have been no calls from US Secretary of State, John Kerry, to either of the two countries in this regard, Psaki said the US has a very robust presence in India and Pakistan.

"And I know they, of course, remain in contact with leaders on a range of issues," she said.

Psaki said the situation has not reached a point that could have an impact on Afghanistan.

"Well, we're not at that point yet. I certainly don't want to speculate on future. We certainly hope that they will engage in dialogue, and of course, they have played important roles in the process in Afghanistan as well, and we're hopeful that will continue," she said.