DATE=3/26/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=INDIA - CLINTON - REACT (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-260615
BYLINE=ANJANA PASRICHA
DATELINE=NEW DELHI
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Official Indian reaction to President
Clinton's Saturday trip to Pakistan has been low key -
but New Delhi appears to be pleased with what is sees
as a strong message to Islamabad on Kashmir, terrorism
and its nuclear program by the United States. From New
Delhi Anjana Pasricha has a report.
Text: After closely watching President Clinton's
Saturday address to the people of Pakistan, officials
in New Delhi welcomed his criticism of both
Islamabad's nuclear program, and its support for
Kashmiri militants.
President Clinton had said Pakistan's nuclear program
and the Kashmir conflict amounted to a "tragic
squandering of the nation's resources."
Referring to Pakistan's dispute with India over
Kashmir, he told Islamabad, "you cannot redraw borders
in blood."
Foreign minsitry spokesman Ramindar Jassal says India
welcomes President Clinton's call to the people of
Pakistan to "look to the future and not
remain mired in quarrels of the past."
Official reaction in the Indian government to
President Clinton's visit to Pakistan has been muted -
but the mood is upbeat. Officials say the
President's trip to Pakistan indicates a swing away
from the earlier American policy of siding with
Islamabad.
New Delhi also feels President Clinton has been
responsive to India's
security concerns, and appeared to understand India's
position on issues
such as Kashmir and nuclear proliferation.
The Indian media and political analysts are also
reflecting New Delhi's positive mood. The Economic
Times newspaper said, "Pakistan (has been) rapped on
the knuckes, and told to stop praising terrorists as
war heroes."
Independent political analyst Brahma Chellaney says
President Clinton's advise to Pakistan to stop giving
support to terrorism will be seen in New Delhi as a
recognition by the U.S.A. that India has been a victim
of terrorism, with
the support of the Pakistani government .
///Insert Chellaney act///
He openly urged Pakistan to respect the line of
control and crack down on those who are waging are
campaign of terror. For India his words were
particularly welcome.
///end Chellaney act///
(opt)
Mr. Chellaney says the change in the American position
has come about gradually, and is dictated by its
interests.
///Chellaney actuality///
The US is no longer siding with Pakistan that is very
clear. The US is doing what it has always been doing,
promoting its interest, and America's
interests today are far more focussed on India, on the
Indian markets, on
cooperation and partnership with India.
///end actuality///
(end opt)
However political analysts are cautioning New Delhi
against raising its expectations too high, saying it
remains to be seen whether Pakistan will heed
President Clinton's advise. (signed)
26-Mar-2000 05:55 AM EDT (26-Mar-2000 1055 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
