CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE
CONGRATULATES INDIA AND PAKISTAN
ON MAKING HISTORIC STEP TOWARDS PEACE

Congresswoman Applauds Work of Prime Minister Singh and
President Musharraf in Bringing Their Two Nations Together

Washington, DC April 19, 2005- Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Founding Co-Chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus and a member of the Congressional Caucus on India & Indian-Americans praised India and Pakistan for making another substantive move towards a comprehensive peace agreement between the two nations. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India and President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan met during three days of talks in India that resulted in a series of agreements. The two nations agreed to set up a joint business council to improve trade and open more meeting points and travel routes for divided families along the Line of Control, which divides the region of Kashmir between India and Pakistan. “The steps taken by Prime Minister Singh and President Musharraf are indeed monumental in the history between these two great nations. Both leaders recognize that peace can not be achieved in a day, but by building social and political ties to each other, a final peace can not be deterred,” said Congresswoman Jackson Lee.

In a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the talks, both leaders stated that the “peace process was now irreversible.” In addition, both leaders declared that they had agreed to continue talks on Kashmir in "a sincere and purposeful and forward-looking manner for a final settlement." The latest series of peace talks follow the recent opening of the ‘peace bus’ in Kashmir, which allowed families divided by the border to be reunited for the first time in nearly 60 years. “Clearly, the people and the leaders of India and Pakistan have decided that a lasting peace is within their grasp and it must be achieved. Only through a comprehensive peace will both nations be able to achieve their full potential and allow their children to realize a harmonious future” concluded Congresswoman Jackson Lee.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee will be holding a Congressional Pakistan Caucus briefing this week along with Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Dan Burton to introduce Members of Congress to Pakistan's new Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Jehangir Karamat. The briefing will allow Members to have an important exchange on Pakistan’s role in the region and their growing relationship with the United States. In addition, Congresswoman Jackson Lee will be introducing a bipartisan resolution applauding India and Pakistan for taking this historic step towards peace.