[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 9 (Friday, January 30, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H247-H248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       PAKISTAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues and the 
Bush administration to once again take a look at Pakistan through a 
critical and analytical lens.
  Pakistan is one of our strongest allies in the war against terror, 
yet I am deeply disturbed by our supposed ally's involvement in 
supplying nuclear technology to North Korea, Iran, and Libya. There is 
ample evidence of these ties, and I find it very convenient that 
President Musharraf takes a position of denial and that he blames 
everyone besides the Pakistani Government.
  Mr. Speaker, we must understand that Musharraf's response to these 
serious international violations of transferring nuclear weapons to 
rogue nations is simply inadequate. By blaming the scientists involved, 
and by detaching the Pakistani Government's role in preventing further 
transfer of nuclear equipment, Musharraf is insulating himself, when in 
fact he should be proposing steps to ensure the world that Pakistan 
will no longer be participating in such criminal activities. As an ally 
in the war against terror, we deserve such assurances, commitment and 
action from Pakistan that their programs to assist in nuclear 
proliferation have been terminated.
  Unfortunately, Musharraf is in denial about his country's 
participation in aiding such countries as North Korea, Iran, and Libya; 
but the denial must come to a close immediately. The same situation was 
true regarding Pakistani fundamentalist infiltration into Kashmir. 
While cold-blooded murders of innocent Kashmiri citizens were taking 
place on a daily basis, President Musharraf for years denied that he 
was providing anything but moral support to the infiltrators.

[[Page H248]]

  While the murders have continued, Musharraf has recognized that 
infiltration is a problem that requires his intervention, and he has 
pledged to end terrorism in Kashmir. Although Kashmiri citizens 
continue to endure terrorism and infiltration at the Line of Control, 
the situation seems to have improved to a certain degree since the 
cease-fire between India and Pakistan and the countries' plan on 
holding talks within the next several weeks.
  Mr. Speaker, my point is that the issue of Pakistan transferring 
nuclear equipment requires as much focus and intervention on President 
Musharraf's part.
  In contrast to the situation in Pakistan, I wanted to take a moment 
to highlight India's nuclear program. In reflection of what I saw 
earlier this month during my visit to India, I applaud the government 
for maintaining an open nuclear science program. The three most 
important ways in which India's program is a model to be emulated by 
Pakistan are the following: first, India's program is defensive in 
nature; second, it is civilian controlled; and, third, technology is 
shared in accordance with international nuclear transfer laws.
  As a result of India's nuclear policies, India has a strong defense 
relationship with the United States and a strong science partnership 
with the United States. In fact, a recent agreement between the United 
States and India would call for increased exchange of scientists, 
particularly in the area of nuclear technology. Moreover, as part of a 
new space and nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States 
and India, the two countries will work as partners to bring stability 
to South Asia and the world, including efforts to end proliferation of 
weapons of mass destruction.
  Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record a statement that was made 
jointly by the President of India and by the President of the United 
States in that regard.

             Next Steps in Strategic Partnership With India

       In November 2001, Prime Minister Vajpayee and I committed 
     our countries to a strategic partnership. Since then, our two 
     countries have strengthened bilateral cooperation 
     significantly in several areas. Today we announce the next 
     steps in implementing our shared vision.
       The United States and India agree to expand cooperation in 
     three specific areas: civilian nuclear activities, civilian 
     space programs, and high-technology trade. In addition, we 
     agree to expand our dialogue on missile defense. Cooperation 
     in these areas will deepen the ties of commerce and 
     friendship between our two nations, and will increase 
     stability in Asia and beyond.
       The proposed cooperation will progress through a series of 
     reciprocal steps that will build on each other. It will 
     include expanded engagement on nuclear regulatory and safety 
     issues and missile defense, ways to enhance cooperation in 
     peaceful uses of space technology, and steps to create the 
     appropriate environment for successful high technology 
     commerce. In order to combat the proliferation of weapons of 
     mass destruction, relevant laws, regulations and procedures 
     will be strengthened, and measures to increase bilateral and 
     international cooperation in this area will be employed. 
     These cooperative efforts will be undertaken in accordance 
     with our respective national laws and international 
     obligations.
       The expanded cooperation launched today is an important 
     milestone in transforming the relationship between the United 
     States and India. That relationship is based increasingly on 
     common values and common interests. We are working together 
     to promote global peace and prosperity. We are partners in 
     the war on terrorism and we are partners in controlling the 
     proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the means to 
     deliver them.
       The vision of U.S.-India strategic partnership that Prime 
     Minister Vajpayee and I share is now becoming a reality.

  Mr. Speaker, let me say in conclusion, in order for there to be peace 
and stability in the South Asia region, it is necessary for President 
Musharraf to move Pakistan forward by taking responsibility for its 
reprehensible actions, such as transferring nuclear technology and 
infiltrating Kashmir. Until President Musharraf's leadership is applied 
and he is not only willing to accept responsibility but turn his words 
into actions, our safety continues to be in jeopardy.

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