NEW YORK, March 1: Three US Senators have expressed complete confidence in the leadership of President Pervez Musharraf saying that Pakistan under his leadership has been extraordinarily supportive (of the United States) in the war against terrorism" and expressed hope that those involved in nuclear proliferation would be held accountable.

At a largely attended Pakistani Community's fundraiser for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Senator Tom Harkins (Iowa), Senator Jon Corzine (New Jersey) and Senator Charles Schumer, New York, said that "there is appreciation in the US congress and the administration, that current Pakistani leadership has done everything to combat terrorism."

The US lawmakers hailed the peace-talks between India and Pakistan and expressed hope that Kashmir issue would be resolved with full participation of the Kashmiri people in accordance with the principles of self-determination.

Senator Tom Harkins observed that in its relationship with United States, Pakistan has been a one way street despite the fact that Pakistan stood with US not only in Afghanistan but through the Korean war and Haiti to the Gulf war.

"Every time US needed (its help) Pakistan been there for the United States in every conflict since the Korean war to the gulf war," he added. Mr Harkins, who told the audience that he would be visiting Pakistan sometimes next month, said he had "great respect for Pakistan.

It has had tough times, back and forth with democracy but through all those years there has been one constant it's friendship with the United States."

Senator Harkins, who has consistently called for plebiscite in Kashmir under the United Nations supervision. "I hope we can settle the Kashmir issue, it has been a drag not only on Pakistan but India too. India has to recognize that it has to negotiate."

Senator Jon Corzine in his remarks noted that "Pakistani people suffered most in the ongoing war and actions since 9/11". Saying that United States and Pakistan have joined hands together to stop global terrorism, Senator Corzine asserted: "This is not war against the West or a war against Islam. This is war against those who don't believe the rule of law, who don't believe in allowing for society to have democratic ways."

Senator Corzine who visited Pakistan recently appreciated the courage and commitment expressed by President Musharraf in the war on terrorism "despite two assassination attempts on his life."

Senator Charles Schumer said: "We condemn the nuclear proliferation" which emerged from Pakistan, and said Pakistan government should go after people who were involved in such activities.

Praising President Musharraf's action against nuclear proliferators, Senator Schumer said "he is handling it the best as he can and has done a good job." All three US Senators assured the Pakistani community that racial profiling of Pakistanis since 9/11 was unfair and would be stopped.

"It is Un-American to single out any group for being a suspect because of name and colour, Pakistani community members are patriotic Americans, who love the pluralism of America, work hard and we consider you part of the American fabric"

Senator Schumer, who is from New York observed that Pakistani community was the "hardest working group in the United States." He assured the community leaders that when the democrats take charge of the government in November their grievances would be addressed.

Responding to a question about a democratic administration 's attitude towards Pakistan if they win the November elections, Senator Jon Corzine who heads Kerry for President committee in New Jersey said: "John Kerry is very consistent in understanding that we will have to work with the current government and that we will continue to encourage democracy no one can expect, things to change instantaneously".