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Bush lifts key sanctions against Pakistan and India

Barry Schweid,Ap Diplomatic Writer
Sunday 23 September 2001 00:00 BST
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The United States lifted key sanctions against Pakistan and India imposed over the nations' nuclear weapons programs, apparently in appreciation of their help in the fight against terrorism.

Pakistan's help could be particularly important if the United States carries out an attack against neighboring Afghanistan, where Osama bin Laden ? named as the prime suspect in the devastating 11 September attacks against America ? has taken refuge.

Despite anti-American sentiment in the country, Pakistan agreed last week to share military intelligence with the United States, permit its airspace to be used by American military aircraft, and to provide U.S. access to military facilities. These commitments could enable the United States to use Pakistan in any assault on bin Laden.

The sanctions lifted Saturday barred economic and military assistance to the two countries. President George W. Bush said in a statement Saturday that maintaining the sanctions "would not be in the national security interests of the United States."

Pakistan's ambassador to the United States praised the move, saying it "will enable Pakistan to get economic aid and it's a very important development."

Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi told The Associated Press on Sunday that Bush's decision lifts restrictions on military sales to Pakistan and makes the country eligible for new economic aid. It does not apply to sanctions imposed after the 1999 Pakistani military takeover, meaning Pakistan is still ineligible for U.S. loans and is prohibited from sending soldiers to America for training.

The move came as an American military delegation headed to Pakistan this weekend for consultations on U.S. preparations for a military strike against Afghanistan.

The U.S. delegation, drawn from the military and the Defense Department, will meet early in the week with their Pakistani counterparts, a senior Bush administration official said Saturday.

U.S. officials said Saturday they were pleased with cooperation from Saudi Arabia and Turkey as American military forces moved to position themselves for a possible military strike against Afghanistan.

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