ISLAMABAD, Dec 29: With heightened tension between India and Pakistan, there has been an increase in contacts by the US Administration with the leaders of the two countries.

Both, US President George Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell contacted President General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday, expressing concern of the US administration for the cause of peace and stability in the region.

The US Secretary of State Colin Powell and Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld make a telephonic contact with President Musharraf on an almost daily basis, according to official sources.

President George Bush held a 20-minute telephonic conversation with President General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday and discussed in detail the prevailing regional situation, Pak- India relations and the tension on borders.

Bush said the international community appreciated Pakistan’s policy of restraint and its firm support and cooperation extended to the coalition forces in the fight against terrorism.

They also reviewed the strains and tensions created by the escalation caused by Indian action.

President George Bush appreciated the prudence and statesmanship being shown by Pakistan. “This is what, in fact, is required,” he added.

He assured Musharraf of continued support of the US.

DECISIVE STEPS: Bush urged President Musharraf to take “additional strong and decisive measures” against “extremists” blamed for the attack on the Indian parliament, AFP adds from Crawford, USA.

Bush “urged Musharraf to take additional strong and decisive measures to eliminate the extremists who seek to harm India; undermine Pakistan; and provoke a war between India and Pakistan and destabilize the coalition against terrorism,” said White House spokesman Scott McClellan.

In a separate phone call to Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, Bush said “that the United States is determined to cooperate with India in the fight against terrorism,” said McClellan.—Agencies