France presses Pakistan for action on 26/11

France joined India in asking Pakistan to actively prosecute the “authors” and their accomplices of Mumbai terror attacks expeditiously.

France joined India in asking Pakistan to actively prosecute the “authors” and their accomplices of Mumbai terror attacks expeditiously.

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“With the tragic losses suffered in the November 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai particularly in mind, we call for the active prosecution of the authors of such crimes and their accomplices, and urge that they be brought to justice expeditiously,” a statement, issued after the meeting, said in an apparent reference to Pakistan.

Addressing a joint media interaction, Sarkozy said Pakistan should fight terrorism “determinedly.” He said France had stood “shoulder-to-shoulder” with India in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which two French officials had also died.

He said he appreciated Manmohan Singh’s effort to reach out to Pakistan, despite the Indian public opinion being “deeply shocked and traumatised” by the terror savagery.

Sarkozy said in the 21st century, the only way to ensure peace and security was to “develop together and not against another”, making a reference to the European Union, where former foes now work together.