29 October 1999
Text: U.S., Russia Joint Statement on Afghanistan, South Asia Oct. 29
(Note serious concerns about continuing armed conflict in Afghanistan) (780) Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Karl F. Inderfurth and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigoriy Karasin held extensive consultations on Afghanistan and South Asia during Karasin's October 26-29 visit to Washington. "The two sides were in broad agreement on all significant issues in the region," according to a joint statement released October 29. The Russian Federation and the United States expressed serious concerns about the continuing armed conflict in Afghanistan and the continuing use of Taliban-controlled territory as a platform for international terrorism. They called on the Taliban to comply with requirements of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1267 of October 15, including turning over Usama Bin Laden to a jurisdiction where he can face justice and taking other concrete steps to dismantle international terrorist organizations operating from their territory. The two sides also discussed recent developments in India and Pakistan and reaffirmed their common interest in peace, stability and friendly relations in South Asia. They reaffirmed their commitment to non-proliferation and reiterated the importance they attach to India and Pakistan signing the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and taking other concrete steps to prevent a dangerous nuclear and missile arms race. They encouraged the military authorities in Pakistan to take decisive steps to return the country to civilian, democratic and constitutional government, including announcing a timetable. Following is the State Department text: (begin text) US DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman October 29, 1999 JOINT STATEMENT On the Results of Consultations Between Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Grigoriy B. Karasin and Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Karl F. Inderfurth On Afghanistan and South Asia Washington, D.C. October 26-29, 1999 Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigoriy Karasin and Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Karl F. Inderfurth held extensive consultations on Afghanistan and South Asia during the former's October 26-29 visit to Washington. Deputy Foreign Minister Karasin also held discussions with U.S. Counterterrorism Coordinator Michael Sheehan regarding the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The two sides were in broad agreement on all significant issues in the region. The Russian Federation and the United States expressed serious concerns about the continuing armed conflict in Afghanistan and the continuing use of Taliban-controlled territory as a platform for international terrorism. They called on the Taliban to comply with the requirements of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1267 of October 15, including turning over Usama Bin Laden to a jurisdiction where he can face justice and taking other concrete steps to dismantle international terrorist organizations operating from their territory. They condemned the acts of terrorists based in Afghanistan in support of extremist groups operating against the interests of Russia, the United States and others. Both sides expressed disappointment that the Six Plus Two has been unable to bring about a negotiated settlement in Afghanistan but affirmed the central role of the United Nations in the search for solutions to the Afghan crisis. They identified combating trafficking in illicit narcotics from Afghanistan as an area where the Six Plus Two could make a substantial positive contribution by marshaling regional resources to combat this evil. The United States and the Russian Federation also discussed recent developments in India and Pakistan and reaffirmed their common interest in peace, stability and friendly relations in South Asia. In this connection, they encouraged the military authorities in Pakistan to take decisive steps to return the country to civilian, democratic and constitutional government, including announcing a timetable. They welcomed the recent parliamentary elections in India as a confirmation and strengthening of that country's democratic traditions. Both sides agreed on the importance of India and Pakistan overcoming their legacy of confrontation and called on both sides to resume their political dialogue at the earliest opportunity. They welcomed Pakistan's decision to withdraw certain troops from its international border with India and expressed hope that similar measures would be taken to reduce tensions along the Line of Control in Kashmir. The Russian Federation and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to non-proliferation and reiterated the importance they attach to India and Pakistan signing the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and taking other concrete steps to prevent a dangerous nuclear and missile arms race. The two sides noted the potential of the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation to facilitate development and foster regional stability. They expressed their hope that the forthcoming SAARC summit in Kathmandu on November 26-28 would contribute significantly to these goals. (end text) (Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State)
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