    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [February 22, 1999]
    [Page 235]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 235]]

    Statement on a Meeting of the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan
    February 22, 1999

        I welcome the successful meeting over the weekend between Indian
    Prime Minister Vajpayee and Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif. I commend
    the two Prime Ministers for demonstrating courage and leadership by
    coming together and addressing difficult issues that have long divided
    their countries.
        The two leaders committed to intensifying their efforts on key
    matters, including: containing their competition in nuclear arms;
    preventing nuclear or conventional conflict between them; resolving
    territorial disputes including Jammu and Kashmir; refraining from
    interference in each other's internal affairs; fighting terrorism;
    promoting political freedom and human rights; and working together to
    improve the lives of their citizens through economic growth.
        South Asia--and, indeed, the entire world--will benefit if India and
    Pakistan promptly turn these commitments into concrete progress. We will
    continue our own efforts to work with India and Pakistan to promote
    progress in the region.