22 September 2001

Bush Lifts Sanctions Against India, Pakistan

President Bush formally lifted sanctions against India and Pakistan September 22 in a special memorandum to Secretary of State Colin Powell.

The sanctions were imposed in response to the Indian and Pakistani nuclear weapons programs and testing. Powell said on NBC's "Meet the Press" September 23 that lifting these sanctions, which had been under consideration for some time, sends an important signal that "we will stand by our friends who stand by us."

Following is the text of Bush's announcement:

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
September 22, 2001
Presidential Determination
No. 2001-28
Memorandum For The Secretary Of State
Subject: Waiver of Nuclear-Related Sanctions on India and Pakistan

Pursuant to section 9001(b) of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2000 (Public Law 106-79), I hereby determine and certify to the Congress that the application to India and Pakistan of the sanctions and prohibitions contained in subparagraphs (B), (C), and (G) of section 102(b)(2) of the Arms Export Control Act would not be in the national security interests of the United States. Furthermore, pursuant to section 9001(a) of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2000 (Public Law 106-79), I hereby waive, with respect to India and Pakistan, to the extent not already waived, the application of any sanction contained in section 101 or 102 of the Arms Export Control Act, section 2(b)(4) of the Export Import Bank Act of 1945, and section 620E(e) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

You are authorized and directed to transmit this determination and certification to the appropriate committees of the Congress and to arrange for its publication in the Federal Register.

George W. Bush