Author:
Publication: The Hindu
Date: June 28, 2000
WASHINGTON, JUNE 27. The Clinton administration has rejected a demand
by 21 U.S. Congressmen, most of whom have campaigned against New Delhi,
that India be declared a terrorist state in the wake of attacks on Christian
priests and churches.
``These decisions are made based on merits,'' the White House Press
Secretary, Mr. Joe Lockhart, told reporters when asked about the letter
to the President, Mr. Bill Clinton, written by the anti-India Congressmen,
led by Mr. Dan Burton.
Stating that he had not seen the letter, Mr. Lockhart said, ``I don't
think that letters, one way or the other, are going to influence a decision''
regarding the U.S. policy towards India.