Obama condemns Mumbai attacks, speaks to Rice and Indian envoy

Washington, Nov 26 (UNI) US President-elect Barack Obama has condemned the Mumbai terrorist attacks and discussed with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Indian Ambassador Ronen Sen the situation in India's financial capital.

Mr Obama called Ms Rice last night to get an update and status report on the situation in Mumbai.

The US State Department said Ms Rice is planning to reach out to Indian officials. US officials said they are not aware of any American casualties.

Later, Mr Obama told Mr Sen that he was monitoring the situation and had been in communication with Ms Rice.

Mr Obama also told the Indian envoy that ''his thoughts and prayers are with the people of India and those affected by this tragic situation.'' Mr Obama said these coordinated attacks on innocent civilians demonstrated the ''grave and urgent threat of terrorism'' and wanted to continue to ''strengthen our partnerships with India and nations around the world to root out and destroy terrorist networks.'' Earlier, the White House issued a statement, saying it convened a meeting of top intelligence and counter-terrorism officials yesterday to discuss the attacks.

The statement said the US is ready to help the Indian government, with President George Bush offering condolences to the victims' families.

UNI XC SKB CS1024