WASHINGTON, D.C., JANUARY 25, 2010 – The Council on Pakistan Relations strongly supports a regional approach to addressing the political, military and territorial border disputes that have contributed to increased instability and conflict in South Asia. This week’s London Conference on Afghanistan represents an important opportunity for the Governments of Pakistan, India and Afghanistan to begin the process of building confidence and trust amongst themselves.
On January 28, the Foreign Ministers of India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and U.S. Secretary of State Clinton, as well as representatives from 50 other nations, will meet in London with President Karzai to discuss a regional solution to Afghanistan. This meeting will represent the first time since September that the Governments of Pakistan and India will meet face to face.
CPR strongly encourages both governments to use this opportunity to begin a dialogue over how to improve bilateral relations, ease tensions and work towards a peaceful resolution of the region’s problems. Pakistan’s continued focus on its border with India instead of fighting the Taliban and Al Qaeda represents a threat to both countries. The Mumbai attacks in 2008 and the Taliban offensive in Pakistan in 2009 demonstrate that unless India and Pakistan are willing to work together to addressing the growing threat of extremism in South Asia, both countries will continue to come under attack.
CPR calls on the United States, the United Kingdom and other allies to develop a framework to build trust between India and Pakistan and address issues such as Kashmir as well as Pakistan and India’s involvement in Afghanistan.
Long term peace in South Asia is critical to protecting the safety and security of the United States. During his campaign for the Presidency, Mr. Obama promised that his Administration would play a proactive role in bringing Pakistan and India to the table. The London Conference represents an important first step toward achieving that goal.
The Council on Pakistan Relations is a non-profit platform organization for independent Pakistani Americans. CPR is interested in strengthening ties and enhancing mutual understanding between the two nations.
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CONTACT: Mahera Rahman mahera@pakistanrelations.org
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