106th CONGRESS
1st Session

H. RES. 227

Expressing the sense of the Congress in opposition to the Government of Pakistan's support for armed incursion into Jammu and Kashmir, India.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 29, 1999

Mr. GILMAN (for himself, Mr. GEJDENSON, Mr. BROWN of Ohio, Mr. GREENWOOD, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. MCCOLLUM, Mr. BLAGOJEVICH, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. STEARNS, Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey, Mr. RUSH, Mr. MEEKS of New York, Mr. WEXLER, Mr. MENENDEZ, and Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on International Relations

RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of the Congress in opposition to the Government of Pakistan's support for armed incursion into Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Whereas the United States has a vital interest in ensuring stability in South Asia, reducing tensions between India and Pakistan, and preventing the spread of terrorism;

Whereas Pakistani-backed armed forces and, reportedly Pakistani regulars, have crossed from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir, India, and occupied Indian military positions that were temporarily abandoned for the winter season;

Whereas this incursion has the financial and military support of Pakistan;

Whereas Pakistan's strategy is to support the armed incursion into Kashmir and renegotiate the Line of Control;

Whereas the Indian armed forces have been forced into action to defend the territory on the Indian side of the Line of Control and push the terrorists and Pakistani military forces out;

Whereas Pakistani armed forces, reportedly, are involved in these incursions;

Whereas the actions by Pakistan are contrary to the Lahore Declaration, an agreement between India and Pakistan to promote regional stability, peace, and security in South Asia;

Whereas the forces include well-trained and heavily armed Afghans and Pakistanis associated with Osama bin Laden, the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, and the Government of Pakistan; and

Whereas the Group of Eight (comprised of the United States, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, and Russia) on June 20, 1999, called for an immediate end to the hostilities, restoration of the Line of Control, full respect in the future for the Line of Control, and resumption of the dialogue between India and Pakistan in the spirit of the Lahore Declaration: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives--

(1) that it should be the policy of the United States to oppose the Government of Pakistan's support for armed incursion into Jammu and Kashmir, India;

(2) that it should be the policy of the United States to support the immediate withdrawal of intruding forces supported by Pakistan from the Indian side of the Line of Control, to urge the reestablishment and future respect for the Line of Control, and to encourage all sides to end the fighting and exercise restraint;

(3) that it should be the policy of the United States to encourage both India and Pakistan to adhere to the principles of the Lahore Declaration.