"The start of the president's second term and the formation of a new Israeli government offer the opportunity to reaffirm the deep and enduring bonds between the United States and Israel, " said National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor.

BBC: Obama to make first visit to Israel as president

U.S. National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said the United States has been "in close contact" with India and Pakistan in probing the Mumbai attack and fighting terror.

CNN: Pakistan moves troops to India border

Condoleezza Rice, President George Bush's national security adviser, said on February 24th that the United States would want to see a decision from the Security Council one way or the other in the days immediately after Mr Blix's report.

ECONOMIST: In need of resolution