Ambassador Qazi meets with key U.S. Legislators on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON, May 13 (APP)- As part of his regular contact with key legislators on Capitol Hill, Ambassador Ashraf Jehangir Qazi Wednesday held meetings with four more Congress Members: Cass Bellenger (R-N. Carolina), Chris Bell (D-Texas), Jeff Flake (R-Arizona) and Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon).

During the meetings, matters coming up under discussion included Pakistan-U.S. relations, Pakistan-India relations, nuclear issue, and war on terrorism.

Reps. Flake and Blumenauer serve on Asia-Pacific Sub-Committee; while Ballenger and Bell serve on International Terrorism, Non-Proliferation, Human Rights Sub-Committee of the House International Relations Committee.

Congressman Ballenger stated that President General Pervez Musharraf was well respected in the U.S. Congress, while Flake highlighted that work done by Pakistan President was greatly appreciated.

While expressing concern on non-proliferation issue, Rep. Blumenauer underlined that improvement in Pak-India relations was, indeed, a bright spotthat was appreciated.

He also underlined his concerns about Muslims living in America and the need to ensure that innocent people were not penalized.

Congressman Bell spoke highly of the contribution by Pakistani-Americans currently in Houston.

All the four Congressmen, in particular, welcomed the positive developments in Pakistan-India relations.