India briefs more countries on Pak role in Mumbai attacks

New Delhi, Jan 6 (PTI) Building up its campaign to
mobilise the world, India Tuesday shared evidence linking
Pakistan-based elements to the Mumbai attacks with around 50
more countries, many of which found New Delhi's case "strong"
and "elaborate".

Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon held special
briefing sessions in groups for the envoys of the countries
from Arab world besides those from Latin America, Africa and
Europe.

Menon Monday gave a similar briefing to diplomats of
about 15 countries, including the US, UK, Israel, France,
whose nationals were killed during the attacks.

He told the diplomats that investigations have clearly
pointed to involvement of elements based in Pakistan in the
Mumbai attacks with possibly the support of people in the
Pakistani establishment.

He gave them a detailed account of how 10-heavily armed
Pakistani terrorists came from Karachi and carried out attacks
in Mumbai on November 26 last year and how they were in touch
with their handlers in Pakistan even during the three-day
engagement with security forces.

Menon also cited the confession of Ajmal Amir Kasab, the
lone Pakistani terrorist arrested during the attacks. He has
given details of commando-type training imparted to him and
nine other terrorists who were killed in the encounter with
security forces.

"The evidence was strong... very strong evidence.. It
was a very good presentation," Deputy Chief of Brazil High
Commission J C Fonseka told PTI after attending the briefing.

Columbian Ambassador Juan Alfredo Pinto Saavedra said,
"It was a very well-prepared material.. very serious and off
course in elaboration."

Ambassador of an Arab country, on request of anonymity,
said the "information" provided at the briefing would be
helpful in enabling the country firm up its position on the
issue.

Asked whether evidence with India is "strong enough" to
make Pakistan act, he said "any country facing terrorism has a
strong case. We are on the same side with India on the issue
of terrorism."

The Columbian envoy said "India has our total solidarity
in the fight against terrorism...India has all the solidarity
in this fight against terrorists.. from wherever they are
coming and to wherever they are going."

Asked whether Columbia supports India's demand to
Pakistan for extradition of terrorists involved in the Mumbai
attacks, he said, "India is today not asking ambassadors for
this."

Burkina Faso Ambassador Idriss Raoua Ouedraogo also
replied in the affirmative when asked whether the evidence
given by India are "strong enough".

On whether his country would support Indian's demand
for handing over of the Pakistan-based terrorists, he said,
"Our government has been supporting all actions against
terrorism." PTI AMR
RKM