Mizzima: Clinton reinforced the nee

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Clinton reinforced the need to dialogue between India and Pakistan

New Delhi, March 22, 2000
Mizzima News Group

The U.S. President Bill Clinton addressed a joint-session of Lok Sabha
and Raja Sabha of Indian Parliament this morning in New Delhi. Speaking
on many issues including trade, terrorism and non-proliferation, the
President Clinton firmly repudiated any role of mediation in the region
for United States as far as conflicts with neighbors are concerned.

"Let me also clearly make as I have repeatedly, I have certainly not
come to South Asia to mediate to dispute over Kashmir. Only India and
Pakistan can work out the problems between them. And I would say the
same thing to General Musharraf in Islamabad," said the Clinton in his
address.

It was a warm address in which he touched upon many issues on which
India and the United States have similar views. He also expressed the
divergence in a very friendly spirit. The divergence is mainly on
nuclear policy between the two countries. He shared India's concerns on
cross-border terrorism in his address.

"I hope progress can also be made in overcoming the source of tension in
this region including the tension between India and Pakistan. I share
many of your government's concerns about the course Pakistan is taking,"
he said.

Recalling late Israel Prime Minsiter Mr. Rabin's words of "you don't
make peace with your friends", the U.S President urged India to continue
dialogue with Pakistan.

"I know that it is difficult to be a democracy bordered by nations whose
governments reject democracy. But I also believe India has a special
opportunity as a democracy to show its neighbors that democracy is about
dialogue, it does not have to be about friendship but it is about
building working relationship among people who differ," said the
President.

" I can think of no enduring solution to this problem that can be
achieved in any other way," he added.

The U.S. President Bill Clinton made his address at the historic Central
Hall of Indian Parliament where the singing and proclamation of Indian
Constitution was once done 50 years ago.