[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000-2001, Book III)]
[December 20, 2000]
[Page 2753]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Action by India and Pakistan To Reduce Tensions in Kashmir
December 20, 2000

    I welcome today's announcements by both India and Pakistan aimed at 
reducing tensions in Kashmir. The decision by Prime Minister 
Vajpayee that India will continue the 
ceasefire it initiated last month in Kashmir is an important step 
forward. In the meetings we held earlier this year, the Prime Minister 
told me of his determination to pursue a course of peace in Kashmir. I 
applaud today's announcement as a sign of his continuing commitment to 
that course. This initiative, along with Pakistan's announcement today 
that it will withdraw part of its forces deployed along the Line of 
Control and its earlier decision to exercise maximum restraint there, 
raises the hopes of the world community that peace is possible in 
Kashmir. To achieve that end, I continue to believe that all parties 
should reject violence and work for a peaceful resolution of the 
conflict through dialog.