US asks Pakistan to do ‘utmost’ to fight terror

Washington, Aug 17 (IANS) The US has asked Pakistan to do "the utmost" to fight terrorism in the South Asian region and said it is for greater dialogue and counter-terror cooperation between Islamabad and New Delhi.

US State Department spokesperson Mark Toner said in a press briefing on Tuesday: "It's important that Pakistan do the utmost to prevent terrorists from carrying out acts of terror -- not just in Pakistan, but elsewhere in the region."

Responding to a question regarding Pakistan's invitation to India for talks, Toner reiterated that the US had always encouraged dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad which was for the good of the entire region.

He also said that both India and Pakistan should cooperate on counter-terrorism.

"I've said this before ... we would encourage greater dialogue and counter-terrorism cooperation between both Pakistan and India.

"It's for the good of both countries ... for the good of the region. Frankly, it's for the benefit of the US," Toner said.

He said that the US was committed to encouraging both the countries to take efforts for dialogue or collaboration in various fields.