Dreier To Lead Delegation To South Asia on Security, Humanitarian, Trade Oversight Mission

April 1, 2004

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman David Dreier (R-CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, will lead a Congressional Delegation to South Asia to examine regional security, drug interdiction, humanitarian aid, and bilateral trade relationships. Among the stops on the trip will be Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and India. The delegation is set to leave tomorrow, April 2, 2004.

"South Asia, specifically Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, is an area of the world absolutely critical to our national security," Dreier said. "With so much focus on the operations ongoing in Iraq, it's easy to forget that we still have troops in Afghanistan, fighting to bring stability to the country where the September 11, 2001 attacks originated. Our troops are working alongside humanitarian aid groups to rebuild homes and schools and help the Afghani people regain their country after years of Taliban rule and warfare. I plan to meet with the people on the ground to hear about their progress, as well as future needs. We will also be meeting with Pakistani President General Pervaiz Musharraf to discuss our relationship and thank him for the support his country has lent us in the ongoing war against terror.

"In the countries the delegation will visit, economic development is crucial to fighting terrorism and preventing it from gaining a strong hold once again. India is becoming an economic model for the region after a decade of reforms. I expect we will see some of the evidence first hand, in addition to areas where more progress is needed. I firmly believe that trade and economic engagement will help the progress to continue."

In addition to the South Asian countries, Congressman Dreier and his colleagues will make a stop in the Republic of San Marino, the tiny country within the borders of Italy, and sister-city to San Marino, California in Dreier's district. "I'm looking forward to presenting an official proclamation on behalf of the City of San Marino to the heads of state of the Republic of San Marino," Dreier said.

The final stop will be to meet with officials in Athens, Greece to inspect security measure for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games.