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• Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, several weeks ago the State Department announced that the evidence currently available has led to a judgment that Pakistan should not be designated a state sponsor of terrorism.

• I have received a letter from the Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs, which provides additional information on the decision not to put Pakistan on the terrorism list, and spells out United States expectations with regard to future Pakistani behavior.

• The text of the letter follows:

• U.S. Department of State,

• Hon. Lee H. Hamilton,

• Dear Mr. Chairman: This letter responds to your July 14 request to John Malott, the Interim Director for South Asian Affairs, for additional information on Secretary Christopher's decision not to name Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism.

• Although it was a close and difficult question--not entirely free from doubt--the Secretary did decide not to put Pakistan on the terrorism list for the time being. The Secretary reached this conclusion because the evidence currently available to us indicates that Pakistan's policy of ending official support for terrorists in India is apparently now being implemented on the ground.

• We have informed former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of this decision and indicated that we will continue to monitor developments closely. We explained that we expect progress already achieved to be consolidated so that any remaining official Pakistani support for groups that carry out terrorist acts will be completely and permanently halted. If the positive trends do not continue, or if there is any subsequent resurgence of official support for those who commit terrorist acts against India, either directly or through private groups, the Secretary will not hesitate to name Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism. We told the Prime Minister that we expect the Government of Pakistan to take vigorous action to prevent private groups from providing support or sanctuary for those who commit terrorist acts.

• We are heartened that Pakistan's assurances are now being implemented. We hope that subsequent developments will enable us to put this issue behind us for good and that we can move to address other issues in our bilateral relationship with Pakistan. In any case, the Secretary will review this issue again no later than December, the time of our annual terrorism assessment.

• I hope this information is helpful to you. Should you wish a personal briefing on this issue or any other, please do not hesitate to contact us.

• Sincerely,

• Wendy R. Sherman,

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