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Powell Seeks 'Complete Halt' to Confrontation Between Pakistan, India
Monday, January 14, 2002
George Gedda
The Associated Press

Powell expressed support for Pakistan's reported arrests of more than 1,000 Islamic radicals and for Musharraf's calls for sweeping reforms designed to curb the influence of militants in education and other areas.

SHANNON, Ireland -- AP
Secretary of State Colin Powell said Tuesday he hopes his talks this week in Pakistan and India can build on a recent easing of tensions and lead to a "complete halt" to the nations' month-long confrontation.

Speaking to reporters before a refueling stop in Ireland, Powell said a conciliatory speech by Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf showed that "the rush toward conflict has slowed quite a bit."

In efforts to avoid a war, Powell said, "There has been an excessive focus on achieving a pullback of the large number of troops that the two sides have arrayed against each other in recent weeks.

"It's more important to make sure that the political and diplomatic situation stabilizes," he said. "If that is stabilized then the armies can move back in due course."
(More: Union-Tribune Publishing Co News Source)
2002 © The Associated Press.

Dan