The White House Briefing Room
November 9, 1998
PRESS BRIEFING BY JOE LOCKHART
1:26 P.M. EST
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary ______________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release November 9, 1998 PRESS BRIEFING BY JOE LOCKHART The Briefing Room 1:26 P.M. EST ................... Q Joe, Saturday the President issued a statement easing sanctions against India and Pakistan. But it seems like this is benefiting only Pakistan, to make Mr. Sharif happy -- he's coming on December 2nd here -- because he's in trouble, or his job is in trouble economically back home. He might lose if he doesn't get something like this. MR. LOCKHART: Well, I don't think I'd agree with your political analysis. But let me tell you what we believe was behind the decision. As you know, under the omnibus budget bill that was passed, there was a Brownback amendment that provided the President's some flexibility and authority to waive some of the Glenn sanctions on India and Pakistan. The President will exercise that authority to restore Export-Import Bank -- OPIC, which is Overseas Private Investment Corporation -- Trade and Development Agency, and also international, military, education, and training funds for both countries. Because of the financial crisis in Pakistan, the President has also decided that the U.S. will work closely with its G-7 partners to permit lending by the multilateral development banks -- the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank -- to support an IMF program for Pakistan. Q To follow up, Joe, according to the State Department and IMF and World Bank, the Indian economy is doing very well, but it is the Pakistan economy which is in trouble. Why India should pay for the mismanagement of Pakistan economy -- MR. LOCKHART: Again, I don't necessarily agree with your political analysis. And I think given the state of the economy and the issues that Pakistan faces, domestically and economically, this step is prudent and appropriate. Q Before we leave that subject, why is the President doing that, and does it not dilute, badly dilute the nonproliferation message he was trying to send? MR. LOCKHART: No, I don't think so. I think that there's obviously been some steps toward -- from both India and Pakistan on that issue. If you remember the U.N. General Assembly, there were positive statements made towards non-proliferation. So we think, as the President has often said, allowing him the flexibility in using these sanctions can often be more productive than the rigid implementation of these. Q Is this a reward for actions they've already taken, or is it -- are we anticipating that -- MR. LOCKHART: Well, we certainly think that both countries have taken positive steps and made positive comments. We do anticipate further steps, though. Q Also, Joe, just a follow-up. The President also said that if more progress is made by both countries, his visit may take place to India and Pakistan. So what kind of more progress are you looking for? MR. LOCKHART: Well, we're looking for more CTBT -- a signature on CTBT, moratorium on fissile material production, and adoption of restraints on nuclear-capable missiles and aircraft. ................. #016-11/09
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