WASHINGTON, Nov.
10 (UNI) The White House has described the meeting between United States president George B Bush and prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as "very positive", playing down the latters remarks about the "slackening" of the United States campaign in Afghanistan.
White House spokesman Ari Fleischer, however, stonewalled questions last night on whether the two leaders discussed Kashmir or cross-border terrorism.
Fleischer also dodged questions on Mr Vajpayees remarks in an interview to the Washington post that the us military effort in Afghanistan was "slackening." "I can tell you that the meeting in the oval office was a very positive meeting, where the prime minister talked about Indias support for the United States effort, standing shoulder to shoulder," the spokesman added.
Skirting a question on whether the Kashmir conflict came up for discussion, fleischer said, "the president believes that its very important for both parties to engage in a peaceful dialogue, to have a peaceful resolution of any of the disputes." Asked specifically whether Pakistan and cross-border terrorism were discussed, he said the issue did not come up in the oval office portion of the meeting that he attended.
Fleischer, however, pointed out that Mr Bush has condemned privately as well as publicly the October one attack on the Jammu and Kashmir assembly.
"and i think the prime minister understands the presidents position," he said.
He denied any hint of concern from India over the United States growing alliance with Pakistan.
"I think the president and the secretary (of state Colin Powell) made it very clear to both president Musharraf and to prime minister Vajpayee about the importance of promoting stability in the region.
And both nations understand the importance of winning this war against terrorism, and both nations have supported the United States and the president is gratified by that." Fleischer declined to comment on an article in weekly newsmagazine India Today detailing us efforts for increased military cooperation with India, including having bases.