14 January 2005	Friday	03 Zilhaj 1425

NEW DELHI, Jan 13: Any proposal by the United States government to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan would be met with strong opposition in Congress, two Democratic lawmakers and members of a pro-India lobby group said here on Thursday.

Senator Jon Corzine and Representative Frank Pallone are here to meet with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as part of a four-nation tour of countries hit by the Dec 26 tsunami.

The two discussed defence issues with Mr Singh such as the Indian navy's cooperation in relief efforts, but not a possible sale of the advanced fighter jets to Pakistan.

"There would be substantial opposition in Congress if the administration proposes the sale of F-16s to Pakistan," Pallone said. "I don't see how the F-16s can be used for anything but offensive purposes. I don't think they'll get it," he added.

Mr Pallone claimed that fighter jets would "most likely be used against India and other countries" and would be inappropriate to sell considering the recent revelations of the sale of nuclear weapons-related materials to other countries by the father of Pakistan's atomic bomb, Dr A. Q. Khan. -AFP