Oz PM urges India, Pak to maintain calm

Canberra, Dec 1: Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has urged calm between India and Pakistan following the terrorist attacks in Mumbai that killed 195 people and strained relations between the two neighbouring countries. New Delhi has accused 'elements in Pakistan' of involvement in the three-day siege that wreaked havoc on Mumbai. Islamabad, however, denies any role in the attacks, the Daily Times reported.
Rudd reminded both nations that terrorism was the enemy of all civilised people. "What is called (for) ... is calm between Islamabad and New Delhi in what could be a very difficult period ahead," he said in a statement.

"And our challenge is to work with all of our friends, allies and partners in the world to tackle the scourge - its causes, as well as its ugliest manifestations, which we have seen most recently in this great city Mumbai," he said.

In the Mumbai violence, two Australians have been killed and four other Australians were injured.

Meanwhile, there had been serious concerns for an Australian who was a registered guest at Mumbai's Taj Mahal Hotel.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Sunday confirmed that contact had been made with the person, who was a registered guest with the hotel on November 25 and had left Mumbai before the attacks began last Wednesday.

Authorities have now confirmed the safety of 84 Australians who were in the vicinity of the areas directly affected by the attacks.

ANI