The White House on Monday said US Secretary of State Colin Powell had been "instrumental in helping to address the situation between India and Pakistan in the Kashmir region." Of Pakistan-India dialogue process, the White House Spokesman said the United States would continue "to work on those efforts," and "encourage dialogue between the parties."
"There has been some good progress made in that respect," Scott McClellan pointed out. In response to a question at the daily Press briefing. McClellan made clear that there would be no policy change in respect of Pakistan and India.
He was asked to comment if any policy change in respect of Pakistan-India was likely, in the wake of resignation by US Secretary of State Colin Powell.
"The agenda is set by the President of the United States," Press Secretary to the US President said.
"He (President Bush) is the one who sets the policy and the cabinet is there to help the President implement the agenda or policy decisions that he makes."
Of India, McClellan said "we certainly have a strong relationship with India. We will continue to build on our relationship with Prime Minister Singh, as we move forward."
"Secretary Powell had been instrumental in helping to address the situation between India and Pakistan, the Kashmir region."
"And, we will continue to work on those efforts, and encourage dialogue between the parties. There has been some good progress made in that respect," he added.
Earlier, at the outset, McClellan confirmed the resignation of Secretary of State Colin Powell.
"Powell is one of four members of President Bush's cabinet who recently turned in their resignations." The others are Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, Education Secretary Rod Paige, and Agriculture Secretary of Ann Veneman.
State Department officials say Powell has told his staff he will stay on until President Bush names a successor. A shake-up of the cabinet was expected after President Bush's re-election earlier this month.
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