[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 29, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1442]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               STATEMENT OF CONCERN OVER KASHMIR CONFLICT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAVE WELDON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 29, 1999

  Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to 
the Members of Congress the increasing tension in the Kashmir region, 
between India and Pakistan. Several weeks ago several hundred armed 
Afghani and Mujahideen infiltrators, backed by Pakistan, crossed the 
line-of-control (LOC) into the Kargila and Drass regions of Kashmir, 
India.
  Mr. Speaker, this invasion runs counter to the Lahore Declaration, 
which is aimed at developing peaceful relations and cooperation between 
India and Pakistan. The agreement, signed last February, reiterates the 
commitment of both India and Pakistan to solve their differences and 
oppose terrorism in the region.
  It is particularly disturbing to me that the government of Pakistan 
appears to have provided the armed infiltrators into Kashmir with 
support, both military and financial. This is deeply troubling in view 
of efforts to secure peace in the region.
  This aggression against India should be undone so that stability can 
be restored. The infiltrators should immediately withdraw and Pakistan 
should respect the LoC and reaffirm and adhere to the commitments made 
in the Lahore Declaration. I encourage both countries to pursue a 
diplomatic solution and refrain from action which might escalate the 
fighting even more. I call on the Administration and my colleagues in 
Congress to fully support an immediate withdrawal from India. India and 
Pakistan should be taking positive steps toward resolving the crisis in 
Kashmir, and resume substantive bilateral talks.

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