Tom Harkin: “Let me read further from Secretary Cohen's letter. I want to get this last paragraph in. Secretary Cohen said: Opponents…”

“Let me read further from Secretary Cohen's letter. I want to get this last paragraph in. Secretary Cohen said: Opponents of your legislation will claim that Pakistan's performance with regard to proliferation should not be "rewarded" by making it eligible for these assistance programs. We would respond that our denying any of these programs will not cause the Pakistanis to forego strategic programs which they believe are essential for their national security. However, by making these assistance programs available, we will not only serve U.S. interests directly but will improve the climate of our overall relationship thus encouraging Pakistan to be more receptive to our point of view in other areas. Mr. President, I am also in receipt of a letter signed by Under Secretary Thomas Pickering. Again, I will just read a couple parts of that: Dear Senator Harkin: The Secretary has asked me to convey her strong support for your proposed amendment to restore OPIC, IMET, TDA and democracy-building programs for Pakistan. We firmly believe that allowing these programs to operate in Pakistan is in the U.S. interest, and that once restored they will be a key factor in strengthening our relationship with an important and friendly country in a vital part of the world.”