Sending Office: Honorable Jim Banks
Sent By:
Amy.Surber@mail.house.gov
Dear Colleague:
I invite you to join the following letter to UN Ambassador Craft regarding activity in Jammu and Kashmir. Tensions in the region have risen after India removed the special status of the state on August 5, 2019.
It is imperative that the tensions between Pakistan and India are mitigated to avoid disaster. The following letter urges UN Ambassador Craft to meet with leaders of India and Pakistan during the 74th General Assembly of the United Nations next week, and
to encourage bilateral discussions between the two countries.
If you would like to sign the letter to Ambassador Craft, please contact Amy Surber (amy.surber@mail.house.gov) in my office.
The letter closes at 12 p.m. on September 17, 2019.
Respectfully,
JIM BANKS
Letter Text
September 17, 2019
The Honorable Kelly Craft
Ambassador
United States Mission to the United Nations
799 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
Dear Ambassador Craft:
We write out of concern with the recent activity in the Kashmir region, amid increasing tension between the nations of India and Pakistan – both of whom have nuclear capabilities. Maintaining peace and stability in this region is a matter of global security.
As you know, last month the Indian government announced it would revise the legal status of the Jammu and Kashmir state. Historically, the Indian constitution has granted special autonomous status to the state. In late July and early August, India moved
45,000 troops into the Kashmir region. Upon removing the special status on August 5, 2019, residents’ freedom of movement and communications were suspended in the area. We are encouraged by recent reports that the restrictions have begun to be lifted.
As the United Nations begins its 74th session of the General Assembly on September 17, 2019, we encourage you use the full weight of the United States Mission to the United Nations to mediate the conflict as a neutral party. Any assistance that
the United States can offer to diffuse tensions in the region and encourage bilateral discussions between the two countries is of the utmost importance to assuring the safety of Americans and preserving global order.
Please let us know what actions the UN Mission and the Administration will take to prevent further escalation of the conflict between India and Pakistan. We appreciate your attention to these concerns and standby ready to assist you in any way as you represent
the United States at the United Nations.
Sincerely,
_________________________ _________________________
JIM BANKS SUSAN WILD
Member of Congress Member of Congress
|
 e-Dear Colleague version 2.0 |
||
