US ready to mediate between Pakistan and India if both countries agree: Ned Price

WASHINGTON (92 News) - US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price has said that America is ready to mediate between Pakistan and India to resolve their longstanding disputes if both countries agree.

Responding to a question regarding US mediation between Pakistan and India during a briefing, he said: "These decisions are for the countries themselves. If they agree on a particular role for the United States, the United States is prepared to, as a partner to both countries, support that process in any way that we responsibly can. But ultimately, it is not for the United States to determine the modalities or the way in which India and Pakistan engage one another. What we support is constructive dialogue, meaningful diplomacy between India and Pakistan in the first instance to resolve longstanding conflicts."

To another question about US intelligence report released recently in which United States expressed concern about the peace and security of South Asia mainly because of Pakistan-India tensions, Ned Price said: I will speak to the message we sent to both India and Pakistan. We support constructive dialogue. We support diplomacy between India and Pakistan to resolve, again, another set of longstanding disputes. We are a partner. We are willing to support that process in any way that they deem appropriate, but ultimately these are decisions that India and Pakistan themselves are going to have to make."