U.S. official:Mumbai attackers have links in Pakistan

Source: Xinhua | 01-06-2009 07:56

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher claimed Monday that the Mumbai attackers had links in Pakistan.

"This is clear they (attackers) had links in Pakistan. The attackers had links that leads to Pakistan," Boucher told a group of reporters at the U.S. embassy after talks with Pakistan's president and prime minister.

He welcomed the Indian decision to share information with Pakistan and said, "People in Pakistan have determination to find those responsible and those who did it."

Boucher said that he was glad to know India provided information to Pakistan, adding that Washington had tried to encourage India to share information with Pakistan.

"There is determination here (in Pakistan) to follow up and find the groups responsible for Mumbai attacks," he said.

To a question about the situation along the borders after Pakistan pulled out troops from the tribal region and deployed along Indian borders, Boucher said, "The situation is calm on the borders."

He said that the U.S. had encouraged both sides not to push for military confrontation and the best way was to do through dialogue.

Boucher said that during his meetings in Islamabad, he found that Pakistan had shown determination to deal with both the groups and individuals in terms of taking actions against them.

"Pakistan has done quite a lot," he said. He added that Pakistan and India must deal with those who harmed the Kashmir issue and were involved in terrorist activities.

He stressed that the two sides must exchange information to stop future attacks. "Both are working how to develop the probe," he said.

"Let's find whoever were to be involved. We are talking to both. We have direct interest as six U.S. citizens were killed. We are interested that the responsible must be found," he said.

"People have to work with each other to follow each other leads. We want to encourage them. They need serious work," he said.

He said that Indian investigations were advancing, adding that he would also visit India.

He said that Pakistan had also arrested several people of the banned Jamaat-ul-Dawa and closed their offices. "Pakistan is serious to deal with the threat of terrorism," he said.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei