extradition
treaty -- just to go back in the time
frame? Since this happened since you spoke with us
earlier -- was it this morning that lawyers in
the administration discovered this? Were they White House
lawyers --
MR. FLEISCHER: Well, I'll tell you how it came
about. I was on a conference call, as I am every day with
the State Department and my colleagues at the Pentagon and other
places. And State noted that they thought there was an
extradition treaty that went back prior to the creation of the modern
Pakistani state. And so our lawyers took a look at it, and
that turned out to be exactly accurate.
And I'd be happy to try to provide additional information
throughout the day about this, since it has provided some interest
here. I'd be more than happy to.
Q But you say it was signed in 1931 and
kicked in in 1942, is that right?
MR. FLEISCHER: That's correct.
Q And did that have something to do with
World War II? The United States was then in the war by that
time, along with -- do you know if the war had
anything to do with it?
MR. FLEISCHER: I don't have any more historical context,
other than what I've informed you about. But I want to
reiterate that even absent this, the position of the United States was
clear to the government of Pakistan, and Pakistan is and has been,
continues to be helpful in this matter.
Pakistan is a sovereign government. They have their own
laws. They have their own rules. And if you can
imagine if the horror was reversed, and a Pakistani citizen was in the
United States, and was killed in the United States, we have our own
laws if we apprehended the killers. There would be a
legitimate discussion about does the person get tried in the United
States or should the person be sent back to Pakistan.
These are legitimate, ongoing issues between sovereign
governments. And that's the current status of this
now. But we are pleased with the reactions of the
Pakistanis, as their judicial system proceeds. And they
understand our request. I can't indicate to you what the
final determination will be. But the President is very
pleased with President Musharraf's actions, as well as the judiciary in
Pakistan.
Q And we do not know whether the Pakistanis
are aware of this extradition treaty, is that right?
MR. FLEISCHER: I've given you all the information I have
about -- they may be. I could not tell
you.
Q Can you give us some more information from
the lawyers?
MR. FLEISCHER: Yes, I indicated I would.
THE PRESS: Thank you.
MR. FLEISCHER: Thank you.
END 1:26
P.M. EST