Question : CLINTON`S WARNING TO PAKISTAN

(a) whether the U.S. President in his telecast speech in Islamabad after his visit to India has warned Pakistan to stop terrorist activities and respect Line of Control and start trade and other negotiations with India;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether he has also warned Pakistan that if they don`t stop terrorism U.S. will not support Pakistan in the event of war between India and Pakistan;

(d) if so, whether Indian Government is fully satisfied with the message delivered to Pakistan;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether India has now taken a firm stand to improve the relations with USA in view of the change in latter`s attitude; (g) if so, the steps proposed to be taken by India to narrow down its differences with U.S.; (h) whether the Government propose to gear up the Indian embassies in foreign countries to convey the stand taken by the U.S. on Indo-Pak relations; and (i) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SHRI AJIT KUMAR PANJA)

(a) & (b) In his televised address to the people of Pakistan during his stopover in Islamabad on 25th March, President Clinton raised several issues, including those of Pakistan`s return to democracy; the need for Pakistan to help create conditions that will allow dialogue with India to succeed; the futility of seeking international sympathy, support and intervention by provoking a bigger, bloodier conflict; and, the need for Pakistan to intensify efforts to defeat those who inflict terror.

(c) President Clinton stated in his televised address that if Pakistan does not meet these challenges, there is a danger that Pakistan may grow even more isolated. He had earlier stated in a television interview in Delhi on 21st March that the US would not get dragged into the Kashmir issue from deliberate acts of violence.

(d) & (e) Government has noted President Clinton`s remarks in his televised address in Pakistan and the statements made by senior US officials on President Clinton`s discussions with the military government in Pakistan. These statements demonstrate a growing recognition by the United States of India`s principled and consistent point of view on India-Pakistan relations, as well as the realities of Pakistan`s sponsorship of cross-border terrorism in India.

(f) Both sides regarded the visit of President Clinton to India as an opportunity to open a new chapter in bilateral relations. Prime Minister and President Clinton agreed to chart a new and purposeful direction in bilateral relations and to create a closer and qualitatively new relationship, based on equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit. They agreed to enhance bilateral co-operation and to work jointly for the promotion of peace and prosperity in the world in the 21st Century. The two sides focussed on the many shared values, interests and opportunities for mutually beneficial co-operation. The two sides stated that they would seek to resolve all differences through constructive dialogue. In the premises the Vision Statement was executed by both the countries.

(g) During the visit of President Clinton, the two countries established an architecture of a regular, wide-ranging institutional dialogue. In addition to regular bilateral `Summits` between Prime Minister and the US President, there will also be regular dialogue on foreign policy and security matters at the ministerial and official levels. An institutional framework for dialogue on economic and commercial issues, counter-terrorism, energy and environment, and science and technology has also been established.

(h) & (i ) The Government provides regular and timely briefings to Indian missions abroad on all important developments and issues to facilitate their interaction with the host government and the local public.