US should support India-Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline
Asking the Bush Administration to endorse the India-Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline to show its sincere support to
Indo-Pak peace process, a US lawmaker, who is introducing a resolution in this regard, said the project will help end
antagonism between the two neighbours.
Democrat Congressman Jim McDermott's "sense of the House" resolution welcoming the proposed gas pipeline has secured
two cosponsors -- Republican Congressman Joseph R. Pitts and Democratic Congresswoman Susan A. Davis. The resolution
has now been referred to the International Relations Committee.
McDermott pointed out that it is a "sense of the House" resolution and so it does not frame any law. However, it is
an expression of the opinion of the House of Representatives for the executive branch to take notice. Both McDermott
and John McDonald said it is in the US interest to support the pipeline because it could end the antagonism between
India and Pakistan, which is the US goal.
The pipeline, said McDermott, will serve as a bridge to promote Indo-Pakistan cooperation and help end confrontation
among nations in the region.
"The landmark project," he told, "represents smart energy policy in a region that is experiencing immense growth and
it also represents a positive development between the two countries that have a long history of hostile
relations.”
“It is good for the region and important for America because a significant portion of US national security
depends upon peaceful relations between these two nations."
