In 1997, Secretary Albright took the step of declaring the Tamil Tigers a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Now, let me turn to some of the more positive reasons for increased U.S. attention in South Asia. These involve the global issues on which we hope we can focus more fully as we step into the 21st century. As many of you know, the South Asian region is potentially one of world's largest markets, and commercial opportunities are growing. Liberalization is improving the investment climate for U.S. business throughout the region.
Democracy is another positive reason for increased U.S. attention.
Today the ballots are being counted in India's most recent national elections. As Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh recently reminded us in his address to the U.N. General Assembly, the Indian electorate of around 600 million people matches the combined populations of the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe. But India is not the only country with elections this year. Nepal recently elected a new government with a ruling majority I might add, and Sri Lanka will be going to the polls next year. Democracy is taking root in South Asia.