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CNN Live At Daybreak

U.S. Hopes Diplomacy Will Cool India-Pakistan Flames

Aired January 10, 2002 - 05:22   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: The United States is in a delicate position in its relationship with India and Pakistan. It needs the two countries as allies in the fight against terrorism, but is also trying to convince the rival nuclear neighbors to resolve their current tensions through diplomatic means.

CNN State Department correspondent Andrea Koppel has the latest.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANDREA KOPPEL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Making the rounds in Washington, India's second most powerful official, a well known tough campaigner against terrorism.

LAL KRISHNA ADVANI, INDIAN HOME MINISTER: I regard cooperation between our two countries to stamp out international terrorism as very important.

KOPPEL: Minister Advani's agenda, Pakistan's alleged support for terrorist acts against India, a dispute which many fear could escalate into a nuclear war. Frequent saber rattling over the disputed province of Kashmir has reached an even higher pitch.

Thousands of soldiers from the world's two newest nuclear powers now face off along their border, the biggest military buildup in 30 years. The Bush administration is now warning both sides to step back from the brink.

COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: Both sides understand the seriousness of this confrontation and they are working with us to try to find a peaceful solution through political and diplomatic channels and to avoid war.

KOPPEL: But India wants U.S. help in pressuring Pakistan to end all support for terrorist groups fighting for Kashmir's independence. In fact, India claims last month's deadly terrorist attack against its parliament in New Delhi was carried out by two Pakistani-based groups. Pakistan says it is cracking down on terrorism.

MALEEHA LODHI, PAKISTANI AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES: So the important thing is that we have apprehended scores of people, members of militant parties, as well as those who have been using violence within Pakistan and outside Pakistan.

KOPPEL: A message Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf is expected to reiterate later this week in a much anticipated speech.

(on camera): The balancing act for the Bush administration, to address India's concerns without pushing Musharraf too hard, jeopardizing the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan. And so next week Secretary Powell heads to South Asia to try to persuade India to withdraw its troops from the border, while at the same time pressuring Pakistan's president to do even more to fight terrorism at home.

Andrea Koppel, CNN, at the State Department.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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