Ruling out a mediatory role in Kashmir, the United States has said that while it understood the importance of the issue to both India and Pakistan, it was ultimately between the two nations to resolve.

"We understand the importance of the Kashmir issue to both Pakistan and India and it is something that we do discuss with both countries," State Department spokesman PJ Crowley told reporters on Thursday when asked to comment on such a suggestion by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari.