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US cannot treat sanctions against India and Pakistan equally

US on Friday said India and Pakistan cannot be meted equal treatment on sanctions because apart from nuclear-related sanctions, Islamabad faces sanctions due to the military coup and those will remain in place till a democratically elected government takes office.

"The Pakistan government is still faced with sanctions triggered by the military coup. Under the law, these sanctions will remain in place until the President can certify to Congress that a democratically elected government has taken office," US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Christina Rocca said.

"General Musharraf's decision to name himself President raises new questions about how Pakistan will return to constitutional, democratic government. We will be watching this closely in the months ahead," Rocca said addressing the Pakistan American Congress here.

Rocca was responding to the plea by Pakistan's ambassador Dr Maleeha Lodhi for non-discriminatory treatment between India and Pakistan on the sanctions issue.

Referring to the forthcoming Musharraf-Vajpayee summit, she urged restraint and reduction of violence on all sides to facilitate prospects for dialogue to produce positive results.

She said, "The United States is pleased that Pakistan is following the path of dialogue with India in order to resolve the serious differences that divide the two countries. We have applauded President Musharraf''s decision to accept Prime Minister Vajpayee's invitation to meet. We wish every success to the two leaders when they get together in July."

PTI

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