Hillary condemns blasts, supports India’s fight against terror

New Delhi: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is coming to India next week for the second round of the India-US Strategic Dialogue, today condemned the Mumbai blasts and said her county was monitoring the situation.
Counter terrorism will be on top of the agenda of the talks Ms Clinton will hold with External Affairs Minister S M Krishna here. “We condemn these despicable acts of violence designed to provoke fear and division. Those who perpetrated them must know they cannot succeed,” she said in a statement released by the US Embassy here. Ms Clinton said the Indian people had suffered from acts of terrorism before and they respond with courage and resilience. “I will be travelling to India next week as planned. I believe it is more important than ever that we stand with India, deepen our partnership, and reaffirm our commitment to the shared struggle against terrorism,” she said. Ms Clinton said the US was continuing to monitor the situation, including the safety and security of American citizens. “Our hearts are with the victims and their families, and we have reached out to the Indian Government to express our condolence and offer support,” she said. President Barrack Obama has already expressed solidarity with India and said give all support to help the country in its efforts to bring perpetrators of the crime to justice. “India is a close friend and partner of the United States. The American people will stand with the Indian people in times of trial, and we will offer support to India’s efforts to bring the perpetrators of these terrible crimes to justice,” he said. Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard and her Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd have also condemned the attacks. “Australia stands with Mumbai and the people of India today. We know their strength and are confident they will meet this latest challenge with courage and determination to stand against such senseless acts of violence,” Ms Gillard said. Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper has also condemned the attacks and said: “Canada remains united with the Government and people of India in their fight against terror. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this difficult time. We offer our support as India works to bring to justice those responsible for these cowardly attacks against innocent people.”