In remarks of far reaching significance, Clinton told the well-known British Television host David Frost in an interview yesterday: ``I would say help us work with you (Pakistan) to find a way, first of all, to guarantee your security without nuclear weapons, and secondly, to reconcile with India.''

In articulating the emerging US position following India's nuclear tests last week, the President has defined more sharply than ever before the American acknowledgement of what one columnist called ``India's shout to be heard.''

After glowing praise on India's ethos and potential in Potsdam, Germany, last week, Clinton went to London where he said he understood India's security concerns in undertaking nuclear tests.

Clinton's remarks also suggest that Washington is willing to provide Pakistan a nuclear umbrella -- much like it hasdone for Japan against China and Russia -- if Islamabad is willing to forgo the nuclear option and sort out peacefully its problems with India.

In fact, Clinton also indicated that such a deal could generate momentum for the two countries to bilaterally resolve the festering Kashmir dispute which could lead the region to an economic manna.

``If India and Pakistan would liberate themselves from this (Kashmir) argument, it is quite conceivable that for the next 50 years they could have the highest growth rates – and not just economic success but the richest and most textured quality of life,'' he said.

But US officials cautioned that despite the President's conciliatory remarks and the restraining hand on Pakistan, Washington's condemnation of Indian tests remained. Also, notwithstanding his generous praise for India even at the height of the crisis, it was Clinton who decided to impose sanctions against New Delhi even though officials of the National Security Council argued for a 30-day waiver thePresident could have given, former Clinton aide George Stephenopoulous said.

The President's remarks on Kashmir rekindled debate on the administration's line on the issue, which has in recent times been viewed with suspicion by Islamabad. US officials, including Assistant Secretary for South Asia in the recent past, Robin Raphel, were suggesting last year that the two sides should not keep harping on history, but look at more ``creative solutions.'' Analysts suggested that this was a hint to Pakistan to accept the line of control as the border.

Clinton too told Frost in the context of the possible resolution of the Kashmir issue and the economic benefits thereof: ``I think they should be imagining a different future for themselves -- both of them.''

The President also acknowledged in the interview that the US and the world had failed to appreciate India and its ``incredible achievement'' of maintaining 50 years of democracy under the most adverse circumstances.

Meanwhile, the administration here isalso divided over the President's proposed visit in November to the region. One section is in favour of calling off the visit altogether to both India and Pakistan. Another small section would like Clinton to go to Pakistan (and Bangladesh) and not India, as a punishment for India's aggravating tests.

Sharif under pressure

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said today that pressure is increasing on him from `'citizens and political parties to go nuclear.

WASHINGTON: Pakistan may decide not to conduct nuclear tests if it gets ``defence assurances'' from China, the New York Times reported today.

CARTAGENA: At the non-aligned (NAM) foreign ministers' meet here today, a large number of member-states have expressed satisfaction over the reasons given by New Delhi for its nuclear tests.