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US urges India to show restraint

Shortly after Union Home Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani accused Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence of plotting a 'most audacious and alarming act of terrorism', White House spokesman Ari Fleischer, in the first official US reaction to the statement, urged India to show restraint.

However, Fleischer admitted that India was well within its rights to defend itself, but qualified it by saying that the country must do so in a way 'reflective of the complications in the region'.

"The president remains hopeful that leaders in the area will act responsibly, consistent with a manner that will not complicate a regional situation that is already very, very complicated," Fleischer said.

Pakistan has accused India of increasing tension in the region by making 'irresponsible and threatening' statements, even while rejecting the Indian accusation that its Inter-Services Intelligence was involved in the attack on Parliament.

Meanwhile, United States special envoy to Afghanistan James Dobbins said Pakistan and many countries need to take strong action against terrorists and their outfits.

"We do believe Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has made some changes in the policy since the September 11 attacks. We have received good cooperation from Pakistan and the policy has shifted decisively in the right direction. I hope Pakistan government proceeds in that regard," he told Star News.

Complete Coverage: The Attack on Parliament

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