Congressional Statements

Royce Commends President Bush's Remarks on Kashmir Cross-Border Terrorism

Press Release
May 29, 2002

U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA-39), cochairman of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, today commended President George W. Bush's remarks on cross-border terrorism, made over the holiday weekend while the President toured Europe.

On May 14, Islamic militants attacked an Indian army camp in Kashmir, killing 34 people and wounding 47, mostly women and children. The latest attack, the largest since India's Parliament was attacked last December, has sent tensions in the region soaring.

While in Russia meeting with President Putin, President Bush stated, "It is very important that [Pakistan] President Musharraf...does what he said he was going to do in his speech on terrorism and that is to stop the incursions across the border."

Royce said, "It was my hope that Musharraf's speech in January -- when he aligned his country with the international mainstream by rejecting terrorism -- would be seen as a turning point. President Bush was right to say that it is time for Musharraf to 'show results' in fighting terrorism."

"Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a critical point. I am deeply concerned about the rhetoric in the region. There is no benefit to Pakistan and India going to war," Royce continued.

Royce, who also serves as the Chairman of the House International Relations Subcommittee on Africa, expressed his concern about reports that Pakistan was withdrawing its 4,000-strong United Nations peacekeeping contingent from Sierra Leone and placing them on the India-Pakistan border.

"This is a worrisome development. After years of brutal civil war, Sierra Leone held an election this month. Sierra Leone's progress has been backed by a United Nations' peacekeeping operation. Unfortunately, Pakistan is removing its peacekeeping troops from war torn Sierra Leone and placing them on its border with India- which could further escalate tensions in the region," he said.