Author: PTI
Publication: The Times of India
Date: February 13, 2009.
URL: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Pak-admission-on-Mumbai-attacks-first-important-step-US/articleshow/4123666.cms
The US on Friday termed Pakistan's admission
that the Mumbai attacks were launched from its soil as an "important
first step in the right direction" and said it will "watch and help"
to ensure that Islamabad completes the investigation and prosecution in the
case.
"I think it is very upward looking, important
first step in the right direction," US Ambassador David C. Mulford told
reporters on the sidelines of a function organised by FICCI.
Mulford said that Pakistan's response to the
Indian dossier on the Mumbai strikes was a "beginning of a process"
that they "accept and are willing" to proceed on the material provided
by New Delhi.
"We will all wait and watch and help
to ensure that they do go forward and complete their investigation and prosecution,"
he said.
Mulford appreciated Indian reaction to Pakistan's
probe in the Mumbai attacks and said that the US also viewed Islamabad's response
as "very positive."
He said the Indian dossier was an example
of the growing cooperation in counter-terrorism between the US and India and
noted that the FBI had played a key role in investigating the Mumbai attacks
as American
nationals were also killed.
Mulford said the relationship with India will
remain a top priority for the new Barack Obama administration which assumed
office last month.
