Congressional Statements

Coup in Pakistan could have negative ramifications on situation in Jammu and Kashmir: Menendez

Statement
October 12, 1999

A statement from Congressman Robert Menendez (D-NJ) regarding the recent coup in Pakistan. Congressman Menendez serves on the House International Relations Committee and is a cofounder of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans.

I am very concerned about the reports of a coup in Pakistan. This action could have negative ramifications on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and it means that the military, not civilians, will control Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. South Asia has been a volatile region since Pakistan aggressively entered Jammu and Kashmir earlier this year. India has just held peaceful democratic elections. It is unfortunate that Pakistan's military has chosen to ignore the will of its citizens and subvert its own Constitution. In light of this development, the U.S. Congress needs to revisit the opening created in the Fiscal Year 2000 Defense Appropriations bill, which allows the Pressler Amendment to be waived so that military parts and weapons sales are reinstated to Pakistan.