The Hindu : Ending infiltration into J&K is our key goal: Rocca

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Mar 22, 2003

International

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Ending infiltration into J&K is our key goal: Rocca

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

Washington March 21. One of the greatest challenges in advancing the American goals of ``moderation, stability and development'' in South Asia ``is the continuing tension between India and Pakistan, primarily over Kashmir'', says the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, Christina Rocca.

``...violence in Kashmir continues and is aimed at exacerbating tensions and undermining reconciliation. An end to this conflict requires continued de-escalatory efforts, increased communication within Kashmir and a peace process between India and Pakistan'', the top Bush administration official told a Congressional sub-committee on the Asia Pacific.

``Ending infiltration into Kashmir remains a key goal,'' Ms. Rocca told the House Panel headed by the Republican, James Leach. She argued that Washington will continue to hold Pakistan's ``feet to the fire'' on infiltration.

She also recounted the steps taken by the Jammu and Kashmir Government as also New Delhi's appointment of an interlocutor, as a ``welcome'' development. On plebiscite, she said India and Pakistan had agreed to sort out the Kashmir issue bilaterally. ``In the broader context, we will continue to urge dialogue and restraint between India and Pakistan. Continued U.S. attention and creative diplomacy will be essential to help move these two nations away from confrontation and towards dialogue and resolution'', Ms. Rocca said.

She talked of the ``most vital interests'' of the U.S. in South Asia and in the determination of this Republican administration to advancing relations with an important region of the world. ``...We have the close cooperation of all the countries in the region in the war against terrorism, and were able to play a helpful role last spring and summer to defuse a dangerous crisis between India and Pakistan that could have led to a catastrophic conflict'', she said. ``South Asia faces great challenges. But these challenges also provide opportunities to bring positive change,'' she added.

The scope of the United States' relationship with India has ``widenened and broadened significantly'' over the past two years, Ms. Rocca said.

``The U.S. and India have overlapping vital national interests — promoting peace and stability in South Asia, combating international terrorism and preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction. We seek a vital and comprehensive partnership with India that removes as many cold war and other barriers between us as possible'', she said.

With respect to Pakistan which has emerged in a high profile fashion here in the context of the war against terrorism, Ms. Rocca argued that U.S. relations with Islamabad have broadened ``significantly'' in the past 18 months.

``Starting with our solid partnership in the war on terror and our cooperation in `Operation Enduring Freedom', we have expanded the relationship and have established a USAID programme providing assistance in the areas of education and health; we have expanded our cooperation in law enforcement and we have begun restoring military ties'', Ms. Rocca said.

And at a time when considerable concern has been expressed on Pakistan's track record on proliferation activity — especially as it pertained to North Korea recently — and in a downright scepticism of the answers given by Islamabad, Ms. Rocca told law-makers that the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf had ``personally assured'' the Secretary of State ``that his country is not engaged in such activity''.

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