Mumbai blasts : Musharraf asks India to prove its allegations

Islamabad, July 20 (UNI) Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf tonight asked India to provide evidence of Islamabad's alleged involvement in the Mumbai bomb blasts and criticised New Delhi for stalling the peace process on this issue.

In a nationwide television address, the Pakistan President described as ''regrettable'' New Delhi's remarks on the peace process following the July 11 bomb blasts which claimed nearly 200 lives.

He offered his cooperation in tracking down the culprits and in the fight against terrorism.

''Blaming each other will not help,'' he said adding any delay in peace talks due to the Mumbai blasts was what the terrorists wanted.

The two countries were to hold Foreign Secretary-level talks from today as part of the Composite Dialogue Process.

Strongly condemning the explosions, President Musharraf said Pakistan had always acted against terrorism and terrorists. It was against the killing of innocent people. Pakistan had itself been a victim of terrorism, he said.

''We are with you in this battle,'' he said.

President Mushharaf sought to assure the Indian leadership that Islamabad was fully with New Delhi in the fight against terrorism and for tracking down the perpetrators of the bomb explosions if India provided evidence of its allegations about Pakistan's involvement.

''If you give us proof, we will be with you,'' he said.

He warned against the dangers of ''Talibanisation'' of Pakistan and said his government would come down heavily on such elements.

Admitting that some elements were cooperating with the Taliban and trying to expand their influence in Pakistan, General Musharraf said he would never allow them to succeed.

Talking about the situation in West Asia, General Mushararaf said it would have dangerous consequences for Pakistan as there was danger of Iran and Syria getting affected.

He stressed on the need to strengthen Pakistan's internal security to ensure that the situation in West Asia did not have any fallout on it.

He also stressed the need for ceasefire and dialogue and for ending the conflict.

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