Mumbai strikes; Britain for prosecution of accused in Pakistan

NEW DELHI: Virtually rejecting India's contention that those accused in the Mumbai attacks be extradited, Britain has said it supports their prosecution in Pakistan as they have "broken the law" of that country.

British Foreign Minister David Miliband said there is evidence about involvement of Pakistan-based people and Islamabad should follow its commitments with actions.

"We will support their prosecution under Pakistani law, because they have broken the law in Pakistan. Its Pakistani law they have broken as well as international decency and common sense," British Foreign Minister David Miliband told Karan Thapar's 'Devil's Advocate' programme.

He was responding when referred to New Delhi's demand that those accused of terrorist acts in India should be handed over to face trial in India.

On the dossier of evidence given by India to Pakistan, he said "We have absolutely no doubt about the origin of the attack in Mumbai in November. The origins are in Pakistan."

Noting that there have been some detentions in Pakistan, Miliband said "they (should) now lead to successful prosecutions. We believe the evidence is there."

Asked about the evidence, he said "We have our own evidence we have shown to Pakistani authorities and and we believe that is the right evidence on which to proceed."

He said it was "critical" that "the words of the Pakistani government which are commitments" should be followed through into action.