Well begun but not even half done

NEW DELHI: The US has said it will continue to help Islamabad complete the investigation into the Mumbai terror attacks. It also called the Pakistani probe, which admits to Pakistani links, "a positive, important first step in the right direction".

US ambassador David C Mulford praised the Pakistani response, but underlined the importance for Islamabad to continue investigations till the end. This is in congruence with the Indian reaction calling the findings positive, but seeking further action from Pakistan.

Mr Mulford said the US would continue to "watch and help" Pakistan. "We will all wait and watch and help to ensure that they do go forward and complete their investigation and prosecution," he said on the sidelines of a Ficci function.

The US ambassador, who had been given an extension by the Obama administration, also termed the findings of the Pakistani probe an important step and a demonstration of Pakistan's willingness to proceed on the material given by India. He pointed out that it is important for Pakistan to face the reality of terrorism. "Pakistan must face the reality that this is a problem that originated from Pakistani territory," he said.

Mr Mulford's comments come ahead of an important visit by special envoy Richard Holbrooke to India. Mr Holbrooke, who will hold talks with the Indian leadership on Monday, is expected to convey his talks on the Mumbai terror attacks with the US leadership.

At the same time, India and the US have been working closely on the investigations into the Mumbai terror attacks. Mr Mulford highlighting this cooperation said that there had been unprecedented counter terrorism cooperation between India and the US after the Mumbai terror attacks.

The terror dossier also contains evidence that was jointly investigated by FBI and Indian investigators. "Today you see much evidence of what has been developed jointly," he said.

He further said that the US would follow the probe to the logical conclusion. "The US has a duty to continue to seek those who are responsible for this and bringing them to justice. That is what we are doing today," he said.

In an effort to expel any doubts about the Obama administration, Mr Mulford said that there was no doubt that the bilateral relationship with India would remain a top priority for the Obama administration which assumed office last month.

Mr Mulford asserted the US��� commitment against the "mindless and unjustified acts of terrorism which are being conducted as a cross-border, multi-national business. It cannot be effectively contained and overcome unless there is global cooperation in the most sophisticated way," he said.