Manmohan Singh told Pakistan to take credible actions to curb terrorism

New Delhi, July 17 (ANI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that he has conveyed to the Pakistan's Prime Minister Gilani that sustained, effective and credible action needs to be taken not only to bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai attack to justice, but also to shut down the operations of terrorist groups so as to prevent any future attacks.

Singh was making a statement in Lok Sabha on Friday, on his recent dialogue with Pak Premier and his foreign visits.

It has been and remains India's consistent position that the starting point of any meaningful dialogue with Pakistan is a fulfilment of their commitment, in letter and spirit, not to allow their territory to be used in any manner for terrorist activities against India, Singh said.

Singh informed the house that Pakistan's Prime Minister Gilani assured him that his country would do everything in its power to bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks to justice.

Gilani also said there is consensus in Pakistan against the activities of terrorist groups, that action is being taken and that this is in the own interest of that country, Singh added.

Singh informed members that the Joint Statement says, action on terrorism should not be linked to the composite dialogue process, and therefore cannot await other developments and it was agreed that the two countries will share real time, credible and actionable information on any future terrorist threats.

The Foreign Secretaries of both the countries would meet time to time to forward the talks.

Singh said India seeks cooperative relations, and engagement with Pakistan, to way forward to realize the vision of a stable and prosperous South Asia. He assured the members that India is willing to go more than half way provided Pakistan creates the conditions for a meaningful dialogue.

Singh also informed the house about his participation in the summits of G-5, and G-8, and in the French National Day Celebration.

Singh informed the house that India has conveyed to recognize obligation to preserve and protect environment, but climate change cannot be addressed by perpetuating the poverty of the developing countries. He also presented India 's Action Plan on Climate Change.

India is willing to do more provided there are credible arrangements to provide both additional financial support as well as technological transfers from developed to developing countries, Singh said.

He called the participation in the French National Day as a matter of pride and honour, and said India has strategic partnership with France. The bi lateral dialogue with President Sarkozy has reviewed the entire range of our bilateral cooperation including counter-terrorism and defence cooperation. President Sarkozy was categorical in asserting that France is ready for full civilian nuclear cooperation with India, Singh added.

Singh said the NAM summit in Egypt called for bringing decision-making processes in the international system, including the United Nations (UN) and international financial institutions, in tune with contemporary realities.

India's views found widespread resonance and that the summit also strongly condemned international terrorism, Singh informed members of the Lower House. (ANI)