DATE=9/15/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CLINTON - INDIA (L-WRAP)
NUMBER=2-266585
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: President Clinton welcomed Indian Prime
Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to the White House
Friday in a visit that underscored the warming of
relations between the two countries. Mr. Clinton
praised the Indian leader for his commitment to impose
a voluntary moratorium on further nuclear testing, but
the issue remains an impediment to stronger bilateral
ties. Correspondent Deborah Tate reports from the
White House.
Text: Mr. Vajpayee's visit to the White House is
seen as another step in the improving relations
between two Cold War rivals that began when President
Clinton visited India six months ago - a point
highlighted by the Prime Minister.
// Vajpayee actuality //
This is a time of new hope and new opportunities
in Indo-American ties.
// end act //
Mr. Clinton, in turn, praised India for its moratorium
on nuclear testing - a pledge Mr. Vajpayee spelled out
in a joint statement after the meeting.
// Clinton actuality //
We welcome India's commitment to forgo nuclear
testing until the treaty banning nuclear testing
comes into force.
// end act //
India - which sparked fears of a nuclear arms race in
the region with its tit-for-tat nuclear tests with
Pakistan two years ago - is under pressure from the
United States to join the Comprehensive Test Ban
Treaty (or CTBT).
The senior director for Near Eastern and South Asian
Affairs at the National Security Council, Bruce
Reidel, says Washington is not ready to lift the
remaining sanctions on military transfers and dual use
technology imposed after those tests.
// Reidel actuality
Clearly, if they sign CTBT we would be able to
take additional steps to remove restrictions.
// end act //
Mr. Clinton also expressed his concern about stability
on the subcontinent, and appealed to both India and
Pakistan for restraint.
The two leaders discussed the disputed region of
Kashmir, where tensions have increased in recent
weeks.
U-S officials say the president called on India and
Pakistan to respect the Line of Control and to find a
way to renew dialogue.
Officials insisted that the warming of relations with
India is not intended to mean the United States does
not want to continue its relations with Pakistan,
which is now ruled by a military government.
Later Friday, MR. Vajpayee met with Vice President Al
Gore, who is running against Republican Presidential
candidate, Texas Governor George W-Bush in hopes of
succeeding Mr. Clinton in the White House next year.
U-S officials say Mr. Clinton hopes the improvement in
bilateral relations will continue no matter who wins
in November's election.
Mr. Vajpayee's visit to the White House Friday had to
be curtailed somewhat because of his frail health.
The Prime Minister is known to suffer from arthritis
in his knees, and is to have knee surgery upon his
return home.
A news conference scheduled for late Friday had to be
scrapped.
Still, Bruce Reidel of the National Security Council
maintained that despite his health problems, the Prime
Minister was very focused.
// Reidel actuality //
He was very much engaged with the President and
Vice President.
// end act //
Mr. Vajpayee will return to the White House Sunday,
when Mr. Clinton will host a state dinner in his
honor. (signed)
NEB/DAT/PT
15-Sep-2000 20:13 PM EDT (16-Sep-2000 0013 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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