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US welcomes Indian move to lift overflights ban

United States Secretary of State Colin Powell has welcomed the lifting of the Indian ban on overflights by Pakistan International Airlines aircraft, but said that the standoff between the two countries is 'far from over'.

"We are pleased that as a result of intensive diplomatic efforts... we have begun to see some relaxation in the tension," Powell said in a speech to the US Asia Society on Monday night.

Citing Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's assurances to stop infiltration across the Line of Control, Powell said, "We have also received indications that the Indian fleet is moving away from possible confrontation with Pakistan."

Describing the lifting of ban on PIA overflights as 'a step down the ladder', Powell said that Washington has taken a major role in coordinating the international effort to pull India and Pakistan back from the brink of war.

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