Need for direct and tough action by Pak: Rice

Rejecting Pakistan's contention, the US said that there is need for 8216;direct and tough action8217; by Islamabad even if the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks were 8216;non-state actors8217;.

Rejecting Pakistan8217;s contention, the US on Wednesday night said that there is need for 8216;direct and tough action8217; by Islamabad even if the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks were 8216;non-state actors8217;.

8220;The fact is non-state actors perform from the confines of the state. There has to be direct and tough action by Islamabad,8221; US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told a press conference after discussions with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi.

Her remarks assume significance in the context of President Asif Ali Zardari denying Pakistan8217;s involvement in the Mumbai attacks, saying the terror strikes were executed by the 8216;stateless actors8217; who wanted to hold the 8216;entire world hostage.8217;

Rice, who will be in Islamabad on Thursday for discussions on the issue, made it plain that 8216;non-state actors8217; were 8216;still a matter of your Pakistan responsibility that somehow relates to your territory8217;.

8220;Pakistan has to act transparently, fully and urgently,8221; she said while noting that 8216;Americans understand the feelings and strong demands8217; in India for bringing perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks to justice.

Referring to the promise of cooperation given by Zardari in the investigations, she said, 8220;we expect the pledges are going to be fulfilled.8221;

On his part, Mukherjee said India was expecting Pakistan8217;s response to the demarche issued to it and New Delhi will decide 8216;whatever is necessary to protect the territorial integrity and safety of its citizens.8217;

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Noting that India has suffered repeated terror strikes in important capitals during the year, he said, 8220;the government is determined to act decisively using all means at our disposal8221;.

Mukherjee said that information has been provided to Rice that the terror strikes were perpetrated by individuals who came from Pakistan and whose 8216;controllers8217; are in Pakistan.

8220;It is the assessment that is widely shared by the international community,8221; the minister said.

He said India expects the international community to ensure that Pakistan arrests and bring to justice the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks.