Seeking greater global cooperation to fight terror, French President Nicolas Sarkozy today asked Pakistan to be resolute in combating the menace.
?I count on Pakistan authorities to show that they are resolute in combating terrorism,? Mr. Sarkozy said at a commemorative function at Trident?Oberoi Hotel, one of the sites of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Comparing the Mumbai terror strikes to 9/11 attacks in the U.S., he said, ?We shall stand by India so that justice is delivered".
Calling for international cooperation to check terror, Mr. Sarkozy said terrorism should be outlawed universally. ?We should have true international cooperation to combat terrorism,? he said.
Mr. Sarkozy also honoured Karambir Kang of Taj Hotel and Devendra Bharma of Trident?Oberoi for their efforts in saving lives during 26/11 attacks with `Insignia of Officer of Ordre National Du Merite? for distinguished service.
Earlier, on arrival here this morning, the French President paid tribute to the 26/11 martyrs at the Police Memorial on Marine Drive.
Accompanied by wife Carla Bruni and French officials, the President laid a wreath in the memory of the martyred security personnel and observed a minute?s silence.
166 people were killed by ten terrorists who stormed South Mumbai late on November 26, 2008, targeting a pub, two luxury hotels, country?s oldest and biggest railway terminus (CST), a Jewish centre and a hospital, among others.
Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan thanked Mr. Sarkozy for his ?kind gesture? of paying tribute to the victims of the deadly terrorist attack on Mumbai.
?Terrorism has become a global menace. Terrorism continues to inflict pain and suffering on people?s lives all over the world,? he said, speaking before Mr. Sarkozy.
?We value our cooperation with France in counter terrorism, especially in the context of our strategic partnership,? he said.
?We need to deepen our contacts through exchange of information, expertise and best practises in the area of counter terrorism,? he added.
Countering terrorist finance continues to remain a major challenge in our efforts in combating terrorism, he said.
?We appreciate France?s support for India?s membership of Paris based Financial Action Task Force. As a full member of FATF, India looks forward to contributing to formulation and redefining of international standards in the fight against money laundering and terror financing,? he said.
India values its strategic partnership with France, which is marked by close political understanding and mutual trust, he said.
?I am convinced that your visit will provide further impetus to our bilateral relations and enhance the strategic partnership between our two countries,? he told Mr. Sarkozy.
