Manmohan’s cricket diplomacy gets US thumps up

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The US on Thursday welcomed the cricket diplomacy of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying expansion of dialogue between India and Pakistan is a welcome and encouraging development for the region and the world.

"The expansion of dialogue between India and Pakistan is a welcome and encouraging development for both countries, for the region, and for the world. It builds on the substantial progress achieved by the Interior and Home Secretaries earlier this week," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said.

"The United States congratulates the people of Pakistan and India on the cricket match between the two nations' teams, and their respective Prime Ministers on their promising cricket diplomacy”, Toner added.

The semifinal match between India and Pakistan, he said, showcased world-class cricket, sportsmanship, and statesmanship. India defeated Pakistan to enter the finals. The United States welcomes the ongoing engagement between India and Pakistan.

"We continue to believe that talks should continue at a pace, time, and scope of the two governments' choosing. We applaud both leaders and their citizens for the creative initiative, warm spirit and friendly competition on display during the match," Toner said.