|
Clinton stresses importance of Indo-Pak dialogue
C K Arora in Washington
US President Bill Clinton has highlighted the importance of an India-Pakistan dialogue even as American first lady Hillary Clinton said her country wants to build stronger ties with India.
Expressing his views in reply to a letter by Republican
congressman Dan Burton and others, the President promised his administration's full help in improving Indo-Pakistan ties.
''In addition to recognising the importance of a strong bilateral
relationship, we are equally aware of the importance of encouraging
Pakistan and India to resolve their differences peacefully,'' he
added.
President Clinton said he had been particularly impressed by
Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharief's determination in restarting the dialogue.
''We have a unique opportunity to advance peace and security in
the subcontinent and I want to seize the moment,'' he added.
The President also stressed the need for building stronger US
relations with Pakistan. This was why he wanted the Brown amendment implemented,
enabling Pakistan to get embargoed arms worth $ 368 million two years ago from the US.
Burton and the others had urged the president that his administration should devote ''greater attention'' to South Asia and help ''facilitate a resolution of the Kashmir problem''.
''This would put an end to the Indian forces's massive violation of
human rights in Kashmir,'' they added.
They said South Asia was becoming an increasingly critical region
in America's pursuit of world peace. The normalisation of Indo-Pakistan relations which had long been troubled due to the
Kashmir dispute would significantly contribute to this goal,
they added.
Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton said the US is keen to build a
strong partnership with India.
Hillary Clinton, who called on President K R Narayanan and his wife at Raj Bhavan after attending Mother Teresa's funeral mass, said she was looking forward to returning to India with her husband sometime next year.
UNI
RELATED REPORT:
Indo-Pak foreign secretary-level talks from Monday
RELATED FEATURE:
'I feel there is every reason for us to continue our exchanges with Mr Sharief's govt
EARLIER REPORT:
Clinton offers to hold talks with Gujral
|
