India, Pak. cannot be equated on sanctions: Rocca

WASHINGTON, JUNE 29. The U.S. today 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 until the President can certify to the Congress that a democratically elected government has taken office,'' the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, Ms. Christina Rocca said.

``Gen. 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,'' Ms. Rocca said addressing the Pakistan American Congress here.

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

- PTI

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Section  : International
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