Bring perpetrators of Mumbai attack to justice: Obama, Manmohan

In a message clearly directed at Pakistan. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Barack Obama have "underscored the absolute imperative to bring to justice" the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbau attack on the eve of the terror assault's first anniversary.

"On the eve of its first anniversary, President Obama reiterated the United States's condemnation of the terrorist attack in Mumbai in November 2008," said a Joint Statement issued Tuesday after their meeting in the Oval office during the Prime Minsiter's State visit, the first of the Obama presidency.

"The two leaders agreed that resolute and credible steps must be taken to eliminate safe havens and sanctuaries that provide shelter to terrorists and their activities," it said. "These undermine security and stability in the region and around the world."

Manmohan Singh and Obama "decided on a Counter-terrorism Cooperation Initiative to expand collaboration on counter-terrorism, information sharing, and capacity building," the statement said, as "They expressed their grave concern about the threat posed by terrorism and violent extremists emanating from India's neighbourhood, whose impact is felt beyond the region."

"They vowed to redouble their efforts to deal effectively with terrorism, while protecting their countries' common ideals and shared values and committed themselves to strengthening global consensus and legal regimes against terrorism.

The two leaders recognized that the India-US partnership is indispensable for global peace and security, it said asserting, "The interests of both countries are best advanced through the values mirrored in their societies."

"They acknowledged the common threat that international terrorism poses to regional and global security," the statement said adding. "They condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and declared that there could be no justification for terrorism anywhere."

Last updated on Nov 25^th, 2009 at 08:07 am IST--IANS