Washington: Welcoming the latest Indo-Pak peace initiatives, United States has urged for a "close dialogue" between India and Pakistan.

"We welcome any steps that help reduce tension in the region, and we continue to stay in touch with the parties," White House spokesman Scott McLellan told reporters yesterday (Dec 19, 2003).

"It's important for the parties to continue to have a close dialogue as they move forward. So we welcome efforts that reduce tensions and help move the dialogue forward," he said.

PTI