[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 146 (Saturday, October 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        ACTION NEEDED IN KASHMIR

                                 ______


                         HON. JAMES H. BILBRAY

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 1994

  Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to my fellow Members' 
attention, a matter of grave international concern that has 
unfortunately gone largely unnoticed as we tangle with the thorny 
issues of Haiti and Bosnia. I speak of the continued conflict between 
Pakistan and India over Kashmir.
  For too long the people of Kashmir have continued to be deprived the 
right to self determination. Through occupation and intimidation, the 
region has been denied the most basic right to determine its own future 
and destiny. This conflict has not only hurt the people of Kasmir, but 
has also led to a particularly delicate and dangerous standoff between 
India and Pakistan. This conflict has not only disastrous possibilities 
for these two countries, but could destabilize a region that is 
becoming more intricately economically connected to the United States' 
national interest.
  Because of other ongoing situations, the Kashmir conflict has become 
largely forgotten, although it remains as heated and as dangerous as 
any in the world. It is imperative that the leaders of Pakistan and 
India show the moral courage necessary to settle this conflict and to 
restabilize not only the lives of the people of Kashmir but of the 
whole region. In order to encourage this outcome, I call on Chairman 
Ackerman's Foreign Affairs Subcommittee to hold hearings on this issue, 
exploring both the views of India and Pakistan and possible resolutions 
to the conflict. In addition, it is imperative that the United Nations 
show the kind of leadership necessary to steer toward a peaceful 
outcome of the Kashmir questions.
  I encourage all my colleagues to join me in bringing attention to 
Kashmir and in supporting a peaceful and equitable resolution to the 
conflict.

                          ____________________