Author:
Publication: The Hindustan Times
Date: February 9, 2001
A leading conservative think-tank
has advised the Bush administration not to get involved in the Kashmir
issue between India and Pakistan or attempt to mediate in the dispute.
The Heritage Foundation, in a memorandum
on 'The President's Policy Challenges in Asia', said: "In establishing
a new agenda for strengthening US relations with Asian countries, President
George W Bush faces a number of challenges, some of which were left unresolved
by his predecessor."
Heritage said, "He (Bush) must make
sure that relations with nuclear rivals India and Pakistan are carefully
managed." It advised the Bush administration "to support the ongoing negotiations
over Kashmir", but said it should "refrain from getting involved or trying
to negotiate a resolution".