Washington, August 13: Noting that terrorism was the “common enemy” of the US and India, US Ambassador Timothy Roemer said the US would ask Pakistan to bring all perpetrators of the 26/11 terror attack, including Hafiz Saeed, to justice.
“All people held in Pakistan in connection with the Mumbai attacks should be brought to justice,” Roemer said when asked about the US stand on Pakistan’s attitude towards Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of the Mumbai carnage.
“We have a common enemy with India. And are pressing Pakistan hard on Mumbai suspects and we are very grateful for the close cooperation that we have with the Indian government on counter-insurgency, fighting terrorism, intelligence sharing,” said Roemer in his first media interaction after presenting his credentials to President Pratibha Patil on Tuesday.
Asked whether Washington believed there was enough evidence against Saeed, he said, “We want to bring the blood-thirsty perpetrators of Mumbai attacks to justice, wherever they are.”
Stressing US’s stance towards combating terrorism as “firm, resolute and bold”, Roemer said, “We are committed to shutting down terrorist networks around the world and shutting down financing of those networks. We want to work with India and enhance our cooperation to achieve these results.”
“The US stands firmly with India against terrorism. FBI officials are testifying this week in Mumbai in the 26/11 trial… We will continue to seek justice for those killed in Mumbai and work closely with India to share with you the lessons learned in the wake of our tragic attacks of September 11, 2001,” he said. Roemer said that Home Minister P Chidambaram has been invited to the US for additional discussions on how the two nations can cooperate. He said one of his tasks as Ambassador would be to broaden and deepen bilateral strategic ties.
Noting that President Barack Obama views the US-India relationship as “one of the most important partnerships for America’s future”, Roemer said, “We plan to move from the good work done and the goodwill earned between our countries over the past decade to build a truly global partnership addressing both our nations’ top concerns.”
-Agencies