By KUNA,
New Delhi : US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday called for international cooperation in the fighting against terrorism.
Rice, who arrived here on Wednesday on a day’s visit, told journalists at the US embassy that time was ripe for the whole world to cooperate in fight terrorism, adding that Pakistan should work “transparently” for this purpose.
Rice said that she had already delivered a message to Pakistan to act “transparently,” and added that President Asif Ali Zadari had assured her that he would do his best to cooperate in tracking down all parties behind the Mumbai attacks.
She said, “I have come here to deliver a message from President George Bush offering condolences to the people of India, especially the people in Mumbai, who were the target of terrorist attacks. I have come here to express solidarity with India.” The US Secretary of State said that the more important thing now was to find ways how to prevent terrorist acts, particularly the channels of funding such acts. “We should not underestimate the acts of funding of terrorism,” she emphasized.
She said that her country was ready to share experience with other nations for the fighting against terrorism.
Replying to a question if the US believes in involvement of Al-Qaeda in the Mumbai terror strikes, she said, “We should not jump to conclusions, though we know Al Qaeda has been involved in such terror acts across the world.” Meanwhile, according to a PTI report, while onboard the flight to New Delhi, Rice told journalists accompanying her: “I want to consult with the Indian government on what we can do to help.” Quoting unidentified sources, the PTI report further stated that India possessed evidences, including interceptions of records of satellite phones used by the terrorists that will be shares with the US.
During her hurriedly arranged trip, Rice is scheduled to meet a host of Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukhejee and Leader of Opposition Lal Krishna Advani this evening.