Congressional Statements
Lantos calls for lifting sanctions against
India
Plans to Introduce Legislation Repealing Glenn Sanctions Soon
Press Release and Letter to President
August, 2001
Congressman Tom Lantos (D-California), Ranking Democratic Member of the
House International Relations Committee, announced that he would soon
be introducing legislation in the House of Representatives to permanently
lift economic sanctions against India. He also urged President Bush to
immediately exercise his authority to waive sanctions against India until
Congress takes action.
Congressman Lantos expressed these views in a letter addressed to President
Bush. "I am writing to convey my strong support for the lifting of
economic sanctions against India. I believe that these sanctions, which
went into effect after India conducted nuclear tests in 1998, have outlived
their usefulness and are no longer in the interest of the United States,"
he wrote.
"I wish to inform you of my intention, when Congress comes back
into session, to introduce legislation that will permanently lift sanctions
against India. It is my hope that your administration will support this
legislation. Since the legislative process is sometimes slow and this
is a matter on which prompt action is important, I urge you to use the
authority granted to you by the Congress in the Defense Appropriations
Act of FY 2000 to waive these sanctions against India and other restrictions
on science, technology and high-tech cooperation between our two countries,"
he continued.
In the letter, Congressman Lantos also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening
U.S.-India ties. "India has emerged has one of the strongest and
most stable democracies in Asia, one that has made important strides in
improving religious tolerance and human rights both within its own borders
and around the world. Furthermore, India has proven itself to be a strong
and reliable ally. One that shares our commitment to democracy and diversity.
As the world's fourth largest economy, India has also become a key trading
partner and market for American companies....[I am committed] to helping
the United States and India build a stronger and broader partnership,
one that reflects the shared values and deep friendship between our citizens,"
he wrote.
"I do not believe that our nation's interests, nor the interests
of nonproliferation are served by attempting to isolate India... I am
convinced that the United States is more likely to get further commitments
and compliance from India on international nonproliferation and test ban
agreements by lifting sanctions and engaging in greater scientific and
defense cooperation."
The full text of Congressman Lantos' letter is below.
The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
I am writing to convey my strong support for the lifting of economic
sanctions against India. I believe that these sanctions, which went into
effect after India conducted nuclear tests in 1998, have outlived their
usefulness and are no longer in the interest of the United States.
India has emerged as one of the strongest and most stable democracies
in Asia, one that has made important strides in improving religious tolerance
and human rights both within its own borders and around the world. Furthermore,
India has proven itself to be a strong and reliable ally. One that shares
our commitment to democracy and diversity. As the world's fourth largest
economy, India has also become a key trading partner and market for American
companies.
While I am a staunch proponent of nonproliferation and arms control,
I do not believe that our nation's interests, nor the interests of nonproliferation
are served by attempting to isolate India. In fact, despite India's failure
to sign and ratify the Nuclear Nonproliferation treaty and the Comprehensive
Test Ban Treaty, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Vajpayee
has declared a moratorium on additional nuclear tests and has maintained
a strong regime of export controls. I am convinced that the United States
is more likely get further commitments and compliance from India on international
nonproliferation and test ban agreements by lifting sanctions and engaging
in greater scientific and defense cooperation.
During his historic visit to India in 2000, President Clinton laid the
foundation for future cooperation when he and Prime Minister Vajpayee
signed a Joint Memorandum of Understanding outlining areas of mutual interest
and cooperation such as combating terrorism and narcotics, advancing science
and technology cooperation. I applaud you and your Administration for
your early recognition of and commitment to this important relationship
and urge you to engage India in a constructive and collaborative manner
to pursue our mutual interests in nonproliferation and regional security.
I wish to inform you of my intention, when Congress comes back into session,
to introduce legislation that will permanently lift sanctions against
India. It is my hope that your administration will support this legislation.
Since the legislative process is sometimes slow and this is a matter on
which prompt action is important, I urge you to use the authority granted
to you by the Congress in the Defense Appropriations Act of FY 2000 to
waive these sanctions against India and other restrictions on science,
technology and high-tech cooperation between our two countries.
I understand that you are also considering waiving certain sanctions
against Pakistan. In light of the history of proliferation on missile
and nuclear technology from China to Pakistan, I have serious concerns
about the implications of waiving Glenn, Pressler and Symington sanctions
on Pakistan. Furthermore, I continue to be troubled by the relationship
between the government of Pakistan and the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.
While I agree that it is important for the United States to not isolate
Pakistan, I do not believe that a comprehensive lifting of sanctions against
Pakistan is warranted or advisable. I urge your Administration to develop
policies that are more geared towards strengthening civil society, improving
access to education and restoring democracy in Pakistan. I believe there
would be support in the Congress for granting greater flexibility to your
Administration in these areas.
Finally, let me reiterate my commitment to helping the United States
and India build a stronger and broader partnership. One that reflects
the shared values and deep friendship between our citizens. I look forward
to working with you and your Administration in the pursuit of this common
goal.
Sincerely,
Tom Lantos
Ranking Democratic Member
|
