Tom Harkin: “today I submit a resolution on behalf of myself, Senator Brownback and Senator Torricelli, which addresses a critical…”

“today I submit a resolution on behalf of myself, Senator Brownback and Senator Torricelli, which addresses a critical issue in South Asia. It calls for a peaceful and just settlement of the dispute over Kashmir. For the better part of half a century, Pakistan and India have had a territorial dispute involving the Jammu and Kashmir region--commonly referred to simply as Kashmir. Three times in the past 50 years, these two nations have fought against one another, two of these wars were over Kashmir. International security experts have long considered South Asia generally, and Kashmir specifically, a "nuclear flash point." These longstanding tensions between Pakistan and India have only worsened with their testing of nuclear weapons last month. It is more important than ever to take a serious look at Pakistan-India relations. A peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute is not only in the interest of the peoples of South Asia, it is also in the interest of the United States. Our nation has had a long and important history with both countries. I think the United states is very aware of the dangers to our own national security, as well as the peace and security of the whole world, if the Kashmir dispute continues without resolution. Further, a peaceful resolution to this conflict would foster economic and social development of the Kashmir region, as well as the rest of South Asia.”