960417

'Friendly relations

with Pakistan to

serve US interests'

WASHINGTON: A leading Democratic Congressman Bob Torricelli has said the development of strong friendly relations with Pakistan would serve U.S. national interests . Speaking at a dinner reception hosted in his honour by members of Pakistani-American community on Tuesday night , Torricelli said " both nations could have legitimate differences in particular in the field of nuclear non-proliferation. But they have strong interest to remain close friend and allies like in the past."

"As two sovereign people we have come to respect each other and build a relationship of understanding and mutual cooperation, " he observed.

Congressman Torricelli is the uncontested nominee of the Democratic Party for election to the New Jersey Senate seat being vacated by a top Democrat Senator Bradley. He is far ahead of his Republican opponent according to the latest the option polls.

The constituency has a strong concentration of India-American community which is active against him because of his forthright support to Pakistan on Brown amendment, Kashmir.

Indian charge d' affairs Ms. Cowsik circulated a letter among the community members a few weeks ago reminding that Torricelli is an strong critic of India on human rights, nuclear and Kashmir issues. Even Republican congressmen reacted sharply to the letter and called upon the secretary of State to lodge a protest with India for its interference in US domestic politics. Torricelli who is among founders of Pakistan Caucus at the Capitol Hill , urged Pakistanis - American community to be politically more active in order to play an effective role in determining US policies and also in serve the interests of the country of their origin. He said he felt proud of being identified with this community.

The congressman who is also member of House Foreign Relations Committee,, said he was contesting election for the senate next November in order to serve his country at a crucial moment of history.

There are elements working to take United States back to isolation. That should not be allowed to happen . Untied States has a unique opportunity to play its role as world leader who should assume responsibility in helping resolve disputes and conflicts and building stability and security in different parts of the world including South Asia region , he said.

Torricelli also urged the Pakistani community to contribute effectively in the development of democratic institutions in the country of their origin. He said Pakistan does not necessarily have to follow an American model. Rather it should be a Pakistan model where there should be tolerance and mutual accommodation, freedom and rule of law.

Earlier welcoming the congressman Rashid Chaudri, a prominent businessman , briefly recounted his efforts to promote stronger Pak-US relations.

He said the Pakistani-Americans should get involved in the re-election bid of a friend who supported and defended Pakistan at the Capitol Hill on the basis of principles. He urged Pakistani community to extend active support to Torricelli in his re-election campaign.-APP