Singh Asks Gilani to Act on 26/11 Masterminds as Two Sides Issue Joint Statement

After talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani in Egypt, the two sides had issued a joint statement with Singh asking Gilani to ensure that perpetrators of Mumbai terror attacks are brought to justice.

During the course of two-hour long meeting, the two leaders agreed that terrorism is the main threat and resolve to fight the menace of terrorism.

Singh reiterated the need to bring the 26/11 terrorists to justice, while Gilani, on his part, assured Singh that his country would do everything possible to bring perpetrators of Mumbai terror attack to book.

A joint statement issued following meeting says that India is prepared to discuss all outstanding issues with Pakistan, but terrorism and composite dialogue should not be bracketed.

Singh reiterated the need to bring the 26/11 terrorists to justice, while Gilani, on his part, assured Singh that his country would do everything possible to bring perpetrators of Mumbai terror attack to book.

It has also been decided that foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan should meet as often as necessary.

India and Pakistan also agreed to share real-time, credible and actionable information on any future terror threats.

Singh and Gilani decided to work for creation of an atmosphere of mutual trust and confidence and resolve to eliminate factors that prevent the two countries from realising the full potential in ties.

It should be noted that ahead of the crucial meeting between Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Gilani in Egypt, the Prime Minister had made a strong pitch for an international convention against terrorism during his speech at the Non Aligned Movement summit.

But Pakistan’s speech fell back on an old issue, as Gilani used the forum to bring up Kashmir, linking its resolution to “durable peace” in South Asia, even as it cited some “forward movement” in its ties with India.

The Pakistan Prime Minister said, “We believe durable peace in South Asia is achievable. It will be facilitated by the resolution of all outstanding disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir.”