Australian PM concerned about nationals in Mumbai

Source: Xinhua | 11-28-2008 10:16

CANBERRA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said on Friday his government was gearing up for another "very difficult" day amid the terrorist violence in India, with concerns that Australians are still held hostage.

"This terrorist incident is still unfolding in parts of Mumbai and therefore we are getting ready for a very difficult day ahead," Rudd told the Nine Network on Friday morning.

Rudd said he had spoken to the Australian high commissioner in Mumbai and understood that the situation was "still tense on the ground".

The prime minister said the efforts of the Australian authorities to help the kidnapped Australians were always there.

"Our authorities on the ground together with our authorities elsewhere are doing everything physically possible to assist people in difficult circumstances," he said.

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has confirmed that up to 26 Australians are believed to be trapped in Mumbai's Taj Mahal and Oberoi/Trident hotels, which were attacked by armed Islamic militants late on Wednesday night.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei