Indo-Pak dialogue important for regional stability

The US on Tuesday asked India and Pakistan to continue with the composite dialogue process despite tensions in bilateral ties following the Mumbai terror attacks, saying it was important for the stability of the region.

Terming the dialogue process "a decision for the two governments," the State Department said the US will promote parleys between the two nuclear armed neighbours who were "important players in the region".

At the State Department, the Deputy Spokesman Robert Wood was asked to comment on India's stand that the composite dialogue with Pakistan has stalled because of the Mumbai attacks and whether it was the right thing to do."That's a decision for the two governments to deal with. But, obviously, we would promote continued dialogue between India and Pakistan. We think that's important for regional stability," Wood replied.

"These are two important players in the region. Dialogue is important. We want to see tensions reduced," he said.

Wood also asked Pakistan to provide all the necessary cooperation to India in its investigation into the Mumbai carnage, which claimed as many as 180 lives."And as we've said previous times, we want to see Pakistan provide all the cooperation necessary with regard to the Mumbai investigation," Wood said.

"They (Pakistan) have been cooperating. We think that's been important. The Indians, I think, understand that," he said. While Pakistan is trying to do what it can, Wood said, it "needs to continue to work with India to try to help find out who was responsible for these attacks and bring them to justice".