国际英语新闻：Pakistan offers full co-op in probe of Mumbai terror attacks

ISLAMABAD, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan will stand by India in the difficult times after the Mumbai terrorist attacks and would like to offer India full cooperation in the probe of the incident, the foreign office said in a statement on Saturday.

    Addressing a news conference here, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that the Pakistani government was unanimous in condemnation of the barbaric acts of terrorism and offered condolences to the government of India and the bereaved families.

Firefighters douse a blaze at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai November 29, 2008.

Pakistan is prepared to offer unconditional support and assistance to unearth who was behind this attack, Qureshi said adding that Pakistani government attached the great importance to the friendly and good neighborly relations with India.

    Qureshi clarified that India had not blamed the Pakistani government for involvement in the incident. He also urged Indian media to act responsibly, with a clear reference to some Indian media reports pointing fingers at Pakistan for the attacks in Mumbai.

    He pointed out that finger-pointing and "hasty conclusions would only serve the terrorists" interests.

    Qureshi said that no evidence had been offered to Pakistan by India. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, when talking to cnn-IBN TV on Saturday, said Pakistan would take quick action in front of the world if any evidence indicated the involvement of any individual or group in any part of Pakistan.

Media persons run for cover during a gun battle at Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai November 29, 2008.

Responding to a question, Qureshi said that Pakistan was not on the defensive because Pakistan had nothing to hide and nothing to be ashamed of.

    He also pledged that Pakistan would combat terrorism in all forms and manifestations because Pakistani people were also victims of terrorism.

    Talking about his visit to India, Qureshi said his engagements with the Indian leadership and officials were constructive and fruitful.

Onlookers stand at the site of a bomb blast in Mumbai November 26, 2008.