Australia asks Pakistan to clamp down terror camps to win India's confidence

Islamabad, Feb.16 (ANI): Australia has asked Pakistan to effectively clamp down on terror camps operating inside its territory in order to win India's confidence.

Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith while emphasizing US President Barack Obama's message, said Islamabad should ensure that its soil is not being used as a safe haven by terrorist forces.

Commenting on Pakistan's acceptance over the use of its soil in plotting the Mumbai terror attacks, Smith said it was evident that the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was behind the ghastly act.

He said the perpetrators have to be brought to justice to build confidence back between India and Pakistan and to start constructive dialogue between both the countries.

Commenting on Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari's acceptance of the fact that the Taliban is creating havoc in the country, and Pakistan is fighting militancy for its own survival, Smith said the Taliban was eyeing plans to run a parallel government in Pakistan.

"There's no doubt in my mind that Pakistan now understands that this terrorist threat is a threat to its own existence as well," The Dawn quoted Smith, as saying.

Smith, who is on a visit of Pakistan, is expected to meet Zardari, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, and other top Pakistan leaders during the stay. (ANI)