Congressional Statements

Holt urges military sanctions against Pakistan

Press Release
October 13, 1999

In the wake of yesterday's coup, Rep. Rush Holt (D-12th District) urged President Clinton not to waive military sanctions against Pakistan.

"For the fourth time in time in Pakistan's 52-year history, the Pakistani military has decided not to respect the rule of law and abide by a democratic constitution," Rep. Holt said. "I am troubled by the implications for regional and international security. Under such circumstances, the resumption of arms sales to Pakistan would only support the coup's perpetrators and exacerbate tensions in the region."

The House of Representatives voted today to approve the Conference Report on the Fiscal Year 2000 Defense Appropriations bill. This bill contains language that allows the President to waive the sanctions that were imposed on Pakistan following its nuclear detonations in May 1998.

Rep. Holt said the President should not resume arms sales to Pakistan.

"The recent fighting in Kashmir shows that South Asia remains a volatile area," said Rep. Holt, referring to fighting this summer between the Indian military and Pakistani-backed rebels in a border region disputed by the two countries.

Rep. Holt pointed to the conflict in Kashmir and to the nuclear tests by India and Pakistan last year as evidence that careful steps must be taken to preserve regional stability.

"The sanctions undertaken last year were part of a prudent effort to control the spread of nuclear arms," Rep. Holt said. "If Pakistan's military leaders cannot respect their nation's constitution, there is no reason to presume they will respect its international obligations. It would be foolish to reward their reckless behavior by lifting sanctions now."