Exchange of information on Mumbai terror attack encouraging: US

WASHINGTON: Pointing out that the origins of Mumbai terrorist attack came from Pakistan, the United States on Tuesday welcomed the exchange of information between India and Pakistan on this issue.

"Exchange of information between India and Pakistan is encouraging," State Department Spokesperson Sean McCormack said at his briefing.

"Well, we've talked about, we've talked about the origins of the attack coming from Pakistani soil. Secretary Rice during her visit to the region said that herself," he said.

Responding to a question on escalating tension between the two bitter South Asian neighbors, McCormack said: "Now, of course, tensions need to be managed, and thus far it would seem that the two sides have an interest in doing that."

Referring to the ongoing visit of the Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher to the region, McCormack said he "put it very well in saying that each side, in terms of putting together the full picture here, has pieces of the puzzle that the other doesn't."

"So it's in their interest to work together, to exchange information, to get the full picture, and to be able to act to prevent attacks, as well as to bring to justice those responsible for the attacks in Mumbai."

India had handed over to Pakistan "concrete" evidence about involvement of elements based in that country in the Mumbai terror attacks.

Observing that the common enemy is the extremists, he said: "The greatest threat isn't from each other, whether that be India or Pakistan; it's from the violent extremists."