Be understanding towards Pak: Rice to India

New Delhi, Jan 19 (PTI) As it prepares to demit office,
the Bush administration has counselled India to deal with
Pakistan with understanding, arguing that the latter was
trying to end cross-border terrorism.

In her farewell call to External Affairs Minister Pranab
Mukherjee, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said the US
has been pressing Pakistan to act against terrorism and
Islamabad is making efforts in this direction.

Suggesting that New Delhi should be patient, Rice advised
Mukherjee during the telephonic call three days back that
India should be understanding towards its neighbour, sources
said.

The Secretary of State appeared to indicate that hardline
approach of India could complicate problems, the sources said.

Mukherjee, on his part, pointed out that India has been
dealing with Pakistan with restraint despite the outrageous
attacks in Mumbai.

He, however, said that Pakistan should ensure punishment
to those behind the Mumbai attacks and prevention of any
further strikes in India, actions which Islamabad is expected
to undertake.

Rice agreed with Mukherjee that the perpetrators of the
Mumbai carnage need to be brought to justice and said the US
was working in this direction, the sources said.

The External Affairs Minister appreciated the support of
Rice and rest of the Bush administration to India all these
years.

He noted that he had enjoyed good rapport with her.

The Bush Administration's tenure will end tomorrow when
the Barack Obama government to take over. PTI AKK
RKM