By Xinhua,
Canberra : Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on Sunday urged calm between India and Pakistan following the terrorist attacks in Mumbai which killed at least 195 people and caused strain relations between the two neighboring countries.
New Delhi has accused “elements in Pakistan” of involvement in the three-day siege that wreaked havoc on India’s financial capital. Islamabad, however, denies any role in the attacks, warning New Delhi against an over-reaction.
In calling for calm, Rudd reminded both nations that terrorism was the enemy of all civilized people.
“What is called (for) … is calm between Islamabad and New Delhi in what could be a very difficult period ahead,” he said in a statement.
“And our challenge is to work with all of our friends, allies and partners in the world to tackle the scourge — its causes, as well as its ugliest manifestations, which we have seen most recently in this great city Mumbai,” he said.
In the Mumbai violence, two Australians have been killed and four other Australians were injured.
Meanwhile, there had been serious concerns for an Australian who was a registered guest at Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Hotel. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Sunday confirmed contact had been made with the person, who was a registered guest with the hotel on Nov. 25 and had left Mumbai before the attacks began last Wednesday.
Authorities have now confirmed the safety of 84 Australians who were in the vicinity of the areas directly affected by the attacks.