Congressional Statements

Congressman McDermott dismayed at Clinton's decision to visit Pakistan

Press Release
March 7, 2000

Representative Jim McDermott today made the following statement regarding President Clinton's decision to accept Pakistan's invitation to travel there on his South Asian visit next month:

"I am very dismayed that President Clinton has decided to travel to Pakistan as part of his South Asian tour. Pakistan is ruled by a military government who forcibly seized power from a democratically elected government. I do not believe that it is right to acknowledge such a government with such a high level visit.

"This being said, I hope that President Clinton will use this opportunity to press General Musharraf on his languishing plans to restore democracy to Pakistan. As America's leader, I firmly believe that it is the President's utmost duty to demand that Pakistan return to the rule of law and full democracy. I also hope that since President Clinton is going to Pakistan, he will not leave until he has a full explanation as to why Pakistan allows a multitude of terrorist groups to attack India from its lands."