gnt co court. Since India and Pakistan gained independence in 1947, both countries have been at war for the territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir is a pre- dominantly Muslim region, while India is predominantly Hindu. Prime Minister Vajpayee of India claims that Kashmir is an integral part of India, and it must be held onto as a symbol of ancient civiliza- tion. Prime ministers of both Pakistan and India are continu- ally meeting to discuss resolu- tions, which is only resulting in more tension. Last March, Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif warned iPakistan may have to look for other options if nego- tiations bear no fruits in a spe- cific time-framei since he felt strongly that ikashmir should be given the right of self-deter- mination.i Kashmiris are not receiving the help they need from the United Nations in their strug- gle for self-determination. However, during the Lahore summit, (where Vajpayee and Sharif discussed future plans for Kashmir and ceasing of ntinued fro nuclear tests),the US and the UN gave a big pat on the back to both Vajpayee and Sharif in their efforts to resolve these conflicts. An Indo Canadian newspaper, The Link, reports United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan saying that it’s “very encouraging” to see both Prime Ministers talking to each other. Bill Clinton also congratulated both parties at the summit; “I commend the two Prime Ministers for demonstrating courage and leadership by com- ing together and addressing difficult issues.” It seems neither Bill Clinton nor the United Nations feel obligated to take the same actions against the Indian gov- ernment as they did with Iraq. Perhaps there’s no oil in it for them this time. However, America, Japan, Canada, Sweden, Denmark and Germany did impose sanctions when India and Pakistan were play- ing with nuclear weapons, which clearly demonstrates the persecution of Kashmiris is comparatively of no concern to many countries. This is echoed in US Congressman Frank Palloneis floor statement on June 16, 1998; il believe third party mediation with regards to Kashmir would be counterpro- ductive. Kashmir is fifty years old. It has plagued the two countries long before they developed their nuclear pro- grams.i When sanctions were imposed on India and Pakistan after nuclear testing, American officials claimed these sanc- tions would only be eliminated if both countries adhered to Americais conditions, which include signing of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, halting any further nuclear testing, and working towards resolving disputes over Kashmir. However, sanctions were relaxed once they began to hurt American agriculture. Similar motives exist for other permanent members of the UN ecurity Council, who used to be the worldis only declared nuclear ~ powers. The Kashmir crisis is only discussed in an underlying attempt to resolve the threat of adding a sixth member to the Council with the same powers they have. The Kashmir crisis is as clear a case of genocide as that of the Jewish holocaust and ieth- nic cleansingi in Kosovo. Are we waiting for another six mil- lion people to die gruesome deaths? NATO is currently helping Ethnic Albanians escape the iethnic cleansingi theyive undergone in Kosovo through the use of massive air raids, but after witnessing their non-interference in Kashmir, one may wonder if thereis real- ly no hidden agenda. Article 4 of the United Nations’ Convention on Genocide clearly states “All persons committing genocide... shall be punished, whether they are constitution- ally responsible rulers, public officials or private individuals.” During the Model of United Nations at Douglas College in February, Earl Drake, Ambassador to China for Canada in the United Nations, explained that unfortunately, people have forgotten about Kashmir; thus, there’s no dele- gate representing the Kashmir crisis in the UN. When asked what we as students can do, he said the best way to cause pub- lic outcry is to make noise. The first step is awareness; inform all types of media and call your local MP to show your concern. Another way students can stay informed of Human Rights issues on a global scale, as well as that of Kashmir or Kosovo, is by attending the Human Rights Committee at Douglas College. They differ from Amnesty International, a well- respected and neutral organiza- tion, in their decision to be more active when taking a stand against human rights violations. Meetings are every Friday at 4pm in the DCSS building. Feel free to share any knowledge you would like to make others aware of, or just observe and learn. Looking for | job options Look to Youth Options BC! ¢12 Youth Options employment programs, including Student Summer Works. ¢ Opportunities for jobs, skills training and career-building work experience. e Better access to post-secondary education, including more post-secondary spaces, tuition fee freeze, and generous student aid packages. For information on programs, visit the Premier’s Youth Options web site: www.youth.gov.bc.ca or call a Youth Options representative toll free: 1-877-BC-YOUTH a COLLIS Minister Responsible for Youth, Premier Glen Clark <(romiaerins 3) The Other Press April 7 1999 Page 5