    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [July 4, 1999]
    [Page 1131]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1131]]

    Joint Statement With Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan on the Situation in Kashmir
    July 4, 1999

        President Clinton and Prime Minister Sharif share the view that the
    current fighting in the Kargil region of Kashmir is dangerous and
    contains the seeds of a wider conflict. They also agreed that it was
    vital for the peace of South Asia that the Line of Control in Kashmir be
    respected by both parties, in accordance with their 1972 Simla Accord.
    It was agreed between the President and the Prime Minister that concrete
    steps will be taken for the restoration of the line of control in
    accordance with the Simla Agreement. The President urged an immediate
    cessation of the hostilities once these steps are taken. The Prime
    Minister and President agreed that the bilateral dialogue begun in
    Lahore in February provides the best forum for resolving all issues
    dividing India and Pakistan, including Kashmir. The President said he
    would take a personal interest in encouraging an expeditious resumption
    and intensification of those bilateral efforts, once the sanctity of the
    Line of Control has been fully restored. The President reaffirmed his
    intent to pay an early visit to South Asia.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.