U.S. would never be soft on terrorism.

Mr. Blake further noted, “We take extremely seriously the threats against both of our countries because we believe increasingly that there is a syndicate that is operating in countries like Pakistan that threatens both of our countries.”

This syndicate of terror networks also threatens Pakistan itself, he added, noting that it was “in the interests of all three countries to address this very critical problem, to work together”.

Mr. Blake also emphasised that the U.S. had been at “the forefront of countries urging Pakistan to not only continue the progress it has been making in Swat and South Waziristan, but also to address the problem in the Punjab, namely the Punjab-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, that are operating against India, that have also targeted the U.S., in the Mumbai bombings and elsewhere.”

He said this would remain a “very, very high priority for us, and you should not doubt the sincerity of that statement”.

On India’s work in Afghanistan he said, “We have welcomed the very important role India has played so far. It is really up to India to decide where it wants to take its cooperation but we commend the steps it has taken so far and we had a discussion on ways that we might be able to cooperate together.” He added that such joint projects may be a promising new area of cooperation between the two countries.

 


 

 

Obama believes Headley's indictment an 'important day'

"Obviously, I continue to say, and the president does too, that we have taken and will continue to take every step necessary to protect the American people. Today was an important day in doing that," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters at his daily press briefing.

Headley was charged by the FBI and the US department of justice for his involvement in the planning of the Mumbai terrorist attack that killed about 166 people, including half a dozen American nationals.

In documents filed before a Chicago court, federal prosecutors charged that Headley conducted extensive surveillance of targets in Mumbai for more than two years prior to the 26/11 attacks by terrorists trained by militant outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.

US, India to seal anti-terror pact

US and India will sign a pact on intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism during the Prime Minister's visit, one of nearly a dozen agreements to be inked during the visit. Details of the pact are not being disclosed yet, but such was the importance of the agreement that CIA Director Leon Panetta flew down to New Delhi last week to discuss details with his Indian counterparts before the fine print could be drawn up. The agreement could involve exchanging and stationing more intelligence personnel in the two countries, including mobile units, to facilitate better interaction.

Pakistani groups planning fresh attacks: Manmohan

The area of operation of these terrorists today extends far beyond the confines of Jammu and Kashmir and covers all parts of our country.

Dr. Singh told the Chief Ministers that in dealing with the terrorist challenge, “we need to be prepared for encountering more sophisticated technologies and enhanced capabilities.” He emphasised the need for guarding the sea frontier as vigilantly as the land border.

The infiltrators appeared “more battle-hardened, better equipped, and in possession of sophisticated communications.

Dwelling on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said there were signs of a revival of over-ground militant activities. Referring to incidents in Shopian, Sopore and Baramulla, he said such isolated incidents were sought to be linked to create an impression of a groundswell of anti-national feeling. “All this shows that efforts to disturb the current status quo have not been given up. Fortunately, the annual Amarnath Yatra passed off without incident.”

Expressing concern over the growing intensity of Left wing extremism, he admitted that the problem was indeed a complex one. “There is a need for a balanced and nuanced strategy to deal with it. On the one hand, the State should discharge its responsibilities and obligations and re-establish the rule of law in areas dominated by the naxalites. At the same time, we should work towards removing the causes which lead to alienation of people and problems like naxalism.”

Those responsible for former premier Benazir Bhutto's assassination would be brought to justice

The terrorists are responsible for Pakistan's current economic problems and law and order situation, Mr. Malik said.

He also pledged that those responsible for former premier Benazir Bhutto's assassination would be brought to justice.

Self-help is the best help

This is the first time that Pakistan has ever formally briefed us on the results of an investigation into a terrorist attack in India. It has never happened before and I repeat this is the first time. It is also the first time that they have admitted that their nationals and a terrorist organisation based in Pakistan carried out a ghastly terrorist act in India.

The reality is that this is far more than the NDA Government was ever able to extract from Pakistan during its entire tenure despite all their tall talk. They were never able to get Pakistan to admit what they have admitted now. So the UPA government needs no lessons from the opposition on how to conduct foreign affairs or secure our nation against terrorist threats.

I say with strength and conviction that dialogue and engagement is the best way forward.

I told them that the operations of all terrorist groups that threaten India must end permanently. I urged them to make no distinctions between different terrorist organizations. I said that it was not enough to say that Pakistan is itself a victim of terrorism. They must show the same political will and take the same strong and sustained action against terrorist groups operating on their eastern border as they now seem to be taking against groups on their western border.

I told them that another attack of this kind will put an intolerable strain on our relationship and that they must take all possible measures to prevent a recurrence.

I believe that it is as much in Pakistan’s vital interest as it is in ours to make peace. Pakistan must defeat terrorism, before being consumed by it. I believe the current leadership there understands the need for action.


We know this, but in the past there have been hurdles in a consistent pursuit of this path. As a result, the enemies of peace have flourished. They want to make our alienation permanent, the distance between our two countries an unbridgeable divide. In the interests of our people, and in the interest of peace and prosperity of South Asia, we must not let this happen.

Pak should use same force against anti-India groups as Taliban

Lakhvi was mastermind of Mumbai attacks, admits Pak

Dismantle terror outfits, Hillary tells Pakistan

However, she said was satisfied with Pakistan’s efforts towards cracking down on the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks. “The days to come hold the promise of greater commitment and concerted efforts from that country …Much greater effort and commitment to combat terrorism has been seen at the government level,” and more so from civil society, she said.


Referring to Friday’s bombing in Jakarta, Ms. Clinton said such acts of “violent extremism” were “ruthless, nihilistic and must be stopped.” Vigorous efforts were needed to create more space for “progress, peace and prosperity” and less for “intolerance, violence and pain.”

Pakistan's 26/11 queries an 'endless exercise': Chidambaram

Chidambaram said no non-state actor can launch terror attack of this scale and magnitude on India without the support of the establishment. "It is for Pakistan to act against these elements," he said.

The goal of the United States is to disrupt, dismantle, and ultimately defeat Al Qaeda

"Our national security as well as the future of Afghanistan depends on a stable, democratic, and economically viable Pakistan. We applaud the new Pakistani determination to deal with the militants to threaten their democracy and our shared security," Ms. Clinton said on Wednesday.


In Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ms. Clinton said, the goal of the United States is to disrupt, dismantle, and ultimately defeat Al Qaeda and its extremist allies and to prevent their return to either country.


"Yet Americans often ask why do we ask our young men and women to risk their lives in Afghanistan when Al Qaeda's leadership is in neighbouring Pakistan? That question deserves a good answer," she said.

Any recurrence of Mumbai-type attack will be "intolerable"

He emphasised that "So long as Pakistan territory continues to be used for perpetrating acts of terrorism directed against India, I think, the dialogue, even if it starts, cannot move forward."


Noting that there is no option but to have dialogue with Pakistan, he said, however, that he could not say what kind of talks will happen. This, he said, will be determined by the Foreign Secretaries of the two countries who will keep meeting as often as possible.


Singh said that any recurrence of Mumbai-type attack will be "intolerable" and that would affect the ties from moving forward.

Bring 26/11 attackers to justice, PM tells Gilani

Singh and Gilani agreed that dialogue is the only way forward.

Terrorists and those who aid and abet them must be brought to justice.

In recent years, terrorist groups have become more sophisticated, more organised and more daring. Terrorists and those who aid and abet them must be brought to justice.

"The infrastructure of terrorism must be dismantled and there should be no safe havens for terrorists because they do not represent any cause, group or religion. It is time that we agree on a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism," he said.

Kasab trained by Pak marines: Report

Is it really possible to bring all the perpetrators to justice??????????????

Zardari admits terrorism nurtured by govt for tactical use

In an astonishingly candid admission - a first by any Pakistani head of state - president Asif Ali Zardari has admitted militants and terrorists were wilfully created by past Pakistani governments and nurtured as a policy to achieve tactical objectives.

``Militants and extremists emerged on the national scene and challenged the state not because the civil bureaucracy was weakened and demoralized but because they were deliberately created and nurtured as a policy to achieve short-term tactical objectives. Let's be truthful and make a candid admission of the reality,'' he said at a gathering of civil servants in Islamabad on Tuesday night.

``The terrorists of today were heroes of yesteryear until 9/11 occurred and they began to haunt us as well,'' Zardari said, emphasising that Pakistan can't be left alone at this stage of the war on terror. He also pointedly said that the future generations won't forgive the current leadership if it does not take corrective measures.

India has long charged Pakistan with sponsoring terrorism in Kashmir by providing arms, ammunition and training to the militants who have been engaged in a war of secession.

``Pakistan is a frontline state in the war against terror and we have pledged to eliminate this scourge. I have taken charge of the country at a difficult time and will meet the challenges facing the country,'' he said.

``The heroin mafia, which arose as a consequence of the efforts to implode the Soviet Union, now takes in $5 billion a year, twice the budget of our Army and police. This is the price Pakistan continues to pay,'' wrote Zardari in the article, `The Frontier Against Terrorism'.

Pak appeals against release of Mumbai terror accused Hafiz Saeed