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US official to visit Asia's hot spots to try to ease tension
AP, WASHINGTON
Wednesday, Aug 07, 2002, Page 1
US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage is planning a five-nation trip in late August aimed in part at diffusing tensions between India and Pakistan and a renewed dispute between China and Taiwan.
Armitage will try to build on Secretary of State Colin Powell's efforts last month to prod India and Pakistan into direct talks over Kashmir and to seek a total ban on the infiltration of Pakistani militants into the Indian-controlled portion of the disputed territory.
His difficult trip begins Aug. 21 when he flies to Sri Lanka to meet with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who received the backing of the White House last month for his efforts to end a long and devastating civil war.
US President George W. Bush promised at the meeting to send US officials to the South Asian country to assess how to support the peace process and to promote economic development.
Armitage then makes back-to-back visits to India and Pakistan, Aug. 23 and 24, to review the steps India and Pakistan have taken to reduce tension since Powell's visit, State Department deputy spokesman Philip Reeker said Monday.
Armitage then goes to China. He will also visit Tokyo Aug. 27 to Aug. 28.
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