[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 12 (Wednesday, February 4, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H370-H371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  MUSHARRAF'S ROLE IN NUCLEAR EXCHANGE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) is recognized for 5 minutes.

[[Page H371]]

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to again discuss 
Pakistani government transfer of nuclear technology to rogue nations 
such as North Korea, Iran and Libya.
  Pakistan's behavior has been publicized for months and months, but 
all of the blame for nuclear exchange has thus far been placed on the 
scientists involved, particularly Abdul Qadeer Khan at the Khan 
Research Laboratories. Although criminal action has been pursued 
against Khan, I have remained very concerned over President Musharraf's 
and his senior advisors' direct role in assisting covert nuclear 
weapons programs in North Korea, Iran, and Libya.
  In the past few days, scientists involved in the Pakistani nuclear 
program as well as opposition leaders in the Pakistani Parliament have 
charged that Musharraf, in fact, had knowledge of the nuclear exchange, 
and the Pakistani military was directly involved. Mr. Speaker, I am 
simply outraged. Musharraf likely knew that the exchanges took place, 
and is not being honest about his connection to the activity at the 
Khan Research Laboratories. He is stretching the truth in order to 
protect himself as well as his relationship to the United States, and 
to guarantee the continued flow of military funding from international 
sources, including the United States.
  In the past, I have requested that President Bush reimpose Symington 
sanctions on Pakistan. Under the 1977 Symington amendment, these 
sanctions were imposed banning Pakistan from receiving economic and 
military assistance as a result of importing uranium enrichment 
technology. After 9/11, this ban was waived by President Bush. Given 
the evidence, in combination with Musharraf's intent to deceive us 
about his knowledge of Pakistan's exports of nuclear technology, I feel 
that it is more important than ever for President Bush to reimpose 
Symington sanctions. Furthermore, it is imperative that the United 
States stop providing military assistance to Pakistan until democracy 
is restored and terrorist violence in Kashmir comes to an end.
  Mr. Speaker, Pakistan has been an ally in the war against global 
terror, but the United States and Pakistan are at a crossroads. 
Pakistan's government's participation in nuclear exchange, under 
Musharraf, has helped to create a nuclear black market in Iran, Libya 
and North Korea to thrive. I shouldn't even have to mention the 
devastating effects of uranium enrichment materials falling into the 
hands of terrorist groups, but this in fact is a concern that has been 
facilitated by Pakistan.
  The Bush administration has been praising Musharraf for removing Dr. 
Khan from his position as advisor to the Pakistani Prime Minister, but 
it is high time that the administration open its eyes to the reality of 
the situation and take immediate action against Pakistan.

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