NEW DELHI: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton defended Sunday Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism, while warning that the perpetrators of last year’s Mumbai attacks must be brought to justice.
“We believe there is a commitment to fighting terrorism that permeates the entire (Pakistan) government,” Clinton told reporters in New Delhi during her first trip to India as Washington’s top diplomat.
When asked on whether she expects Islamabad to take action against those responsible for Mumbai-strikes, Clinton replied: “We expect every nation to take action against terrorism. And we are watching and hoping that it will occur.” “Those who perpetrated the horrific attacks will meet their day of reckoning,” Clinton said.
With “global network” of militant outfits like Al Qaeeda, Taleban and others posing an increasing threat, Clinton emphasized the need for greater coordination between United States and India to share information on combating terrorism. Referring to the change in Pakistan’s attitude to terrorism, Clinton said: “We have seen an evolving commitment not only by the Pakistani government but also by the Pakistani people and a recognition that terrorism within the country is a threat to that country.” “Over the last six months, in course of working with the government of Pakistan, we believe that there is a commitment to clear terrorism by the entire government and that is what our expectation is. We are watching it and hope (Pakistan) will make full cooperation against what is a syndicate of terrorism,” she said.
“Al-Qaeda, the Taleban and many other terrorist organizations are connected in a way that is deeply troubling to us and also to India,” she added.
India suspended its peace dialogue with Pakistan after the attacks on its financial capital and insists that Islamabad has yet to take sufficient measures against those responsible to warrant a resumption of the process.
