US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has warned that while diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan may have levelled off, the situation on the ground had not improved.
|
|
US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld steps out of his aircraft at New Delhi airport Photograph: Reuters
|
"I cannot say that I see a trendline that is getting better or worse," Mr Rumsfeld told reporters on the flight from Qatar to New Delhi, where he landed late tonight.
"It seems to me that it is roughly level. I see all the indicators, the relevant indicators and they are not better.
"Some of the words that have been said are somewhat encouraging, but what is important is what actually happens on the ground as opposed to words.
"But words are helpful and as I indicated earlier today both sides are saying things that are helpful and managing their affairs in a responsible way."
Mr Rumsfeld also warned that militants, including al-Qaeda members, might try to create an incident in Kashmir that would draw India and Pakistan into a war.
Asked if there was evidence to show al-Qaeda members were in Kashmir, he replied: "I have seen intelligence that reports that people are saying they are in there."
In Qatar he had told reporters there were "hopeful signs" that war in South Asia could be averted.
AFP