US diplomatic initiative unlikely in Kargil crisis

Moreover, the problem has not acquired that serious a dimension to warrant the attention of Secretary of State Madeleine Albright who is preoccupied with the Kosovo crisis, according to officials.

Replying to questions about the Kashmir situation on Thursday, State Department Spokesman James Rubin said that senior American diplomats in India and Pakistan were in touch with host government officials “to express our strong concern about this matter, to urge them to show restraint and prevent the fighting from spreading, and to urge both countries towork together to reduce tensions.”

Replying to a question about the ground situation in Kashmir, Rubin said, “Indian air strikes and ground attacks continue against positions occupied by infiltrators from Pakistan that are in India’s side, but very close to, the Line of Control in Kashmir.” He added that an Indian helicopter was reportedly shot down on Friday “on the Indian side of the LoC.”