Congressional Statements

Ackerman letter to President re Pakistan nuclear weapons sale to North Korea

November 7, 2002

The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I write to express my deep concern about recent published reports, corroborated by Administration officials, that Pakistan has provided nuclear-weapons related equipment or technology to North Korea, and has received missile components or equipment in exchange. If true, these allegations would require that Pakistan be subject to both nuclear and missile sanctions prohibiting nearly all forms of U.S. assistance. In particular, I believe that the sanctions waived under authority provided by the Congress, pursuant to Public Law 106-79, may have to be reimposed as a result of Pakistan's alleged nuclear cooperation with North Korea.

Under these circumstances, I believe that it is premature for the Administration to exercise any waivers of existing U.S. sanctions on Pakistan for Fiscal Year 2003 until the facts concerning these allegations have been established and the Administration has consulted with the Congress as to whether or not new missile and/or nuclear sanctions are warranted.

Although preconsultations have begun regarding the waiver of democracy-related sanctions on Pakistan imposed in response to the military's overthrow of the democratic government, I urge you not to complete the waiver process until a decision has been made on additional sanctions and after the Congress has been fully consulted. I recognize that Congress provided you with the authority to waive these sanctions pursuant to Public Law 107-57 in order to successfully prosecute the war on terrorism; I also recognize that Pakistan has provided substantial support for Operation Enduring Freedom. However, these new allegations of Pakistani collaboration with North Korea, a designated state sponsor of terrorism and a clear threat not only to U.S. treaty allies but to the U.S. homeland, present us with new security circumstances. These new circumstances require that the Administration and the Congress review our policy towards Pakistan before we provide any further assistance.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Gary L. Ackerman
Ranking Member
Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia