WASHINGTON, Aug 7 President Bill Clinton has said India and Pakistan should resolve their differences to attain the higher growth rates like in East Asia and offered a 'more constructive' US role to achieve It, reports PT

"India and Pakistan can attain the high East Asian rates of growth and become America's best partners if they resolved their differences," Clinton told a press conference at the White House lawn here yesterday

"It's a source of continuing concern to me that the people of Pakistan and the people of India have not been able to work through their differences, because If they do so, I am convinced they could quickly begin to enjoy economic growth

rates., and be our best partners for the future." he said.

Clinton said the US presence should be heavily' felt in South Asia because of the long relationship America had with India and because of the enormous potential of the region for good if things go well and for ill if things don’t.

We can be even better friends In the next 50 years and a more constructive supporter of resolving these difficulties In the near term." Clinton said referring to the role he wanted the US to play In the sub-continent.

The US President, who was replying to a question on whether he would be visiting India on the occasion of Golden Jubilee of India's independence. said he would mark the beginning of a year-long celebration in Washington next week.

While Secretary of State Madeleine Albright is expected to visit India and Pakistan this year, a congressional delegation led by House of Representatives International Committee Chairman Benjamin Gilman would be taking part in the golden Jubilee celebrations.