Interview by PTV

DEPUTY SECRETARY ARMITAGE: First of all I thanked President Musharraf for his excellent assistance to the United States and the international coalition in Operation Enduring Freedom . He expressed his absolute determination to continue to prosecute the war on al-Qaeda. He was very articulate on his hopes and aspirations for the people of Pakistan. He was really pointing to the future. He made it clear that nothing is happening across the Line of Control. I look forward to continuing these discussions here at some later date, but also to going to India tomorrow to have private discussions, of course, with the Indian leadership and exchanging views with them.

QUESTION: What is your assessment about the current situation in the region and what do you think about how it will proceed in the future?

DEPUTY SECRETARY ARMITAGE: Well of course the situation is quite complicated and quite volatile. I am very heartened to hear of President Musharraf's desire to have war avoidance. I think that is the same case in India and we need to do our best, the international community, to bring down the temperature. President Bush and Secretary Powell have been very keen on having the United States play its part.

QUESTION: Do you think that your visit can defuse the situation?

DEPUTY SECRETARY ARMITAGE: Well I think that time will tell and defer to whatever President Musharraf would like to say on that. I am just a workingman here trying to do a job. Thank you very much.