India/Pakistan

Rice says Islamabad committed to helping Mumbai enquiry

Article published on the 2008-12-04 Latest update 2008-12-04 11:32 TU

Rice in Delhi
(Photo: Reuters)

US Secretary of State Condeleezza Rice declared that Pakistan is "focused and committed" to helping India investigate last week's attacks on Mumbai on a visit to Islamabad. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari promised "strong action" against anyone in his country implicated in the attacks.

"The government will not only assist in investigation but also take strong action against any Pakistani elements found involved in the attack," said Zardari in an official statement issued after meeting with Rice.

"Pakistan is determined to ensure that its territory is not used for any act of terrorism," he added.

Rice flew to Islamabad from Delhi, where Indian leaders repeated their claims that the Mumbai attacks were run from Pakistan.

"I think it is clear that Pakistan is fighting its fight against terrorists," she said at a joint press conference with Zardari.

Zardari goes to Turkey Thursday to meet Turkish President Abdullah  Gul and Aghan President Hamid Karzai, in a move to ease tensions with Kabul over cross-border Taliban operations.

India on Thursday put all of its major airports on alert, following warnings of possible attacks using hijacked airliners.