In a address to the nation, Musharraf described as unfortunate India's decision to postpone the Foreign Secretary level talks.
ISLAMABAD: Asking India to avoid a blame game over Mumbai blasts, President Pervez Musharraf on Thursday night said postponement of Foreign Secretary-level talks amounted to playing into the hands of terrorists.
He assured India that Pakistan would fully cooperate with it in identifying the perpetrators of the blasts if evidence is provided.
Describing as "unfortunate" the Indian government's decision to put off the talks, Musharraf said in a televised address to the nation that "deferring the peace process and dialogue is clearly playing into the hands of terrorists. This is exactly what they want--that peace and normalisation process should be stopped".
"I am sure this is what India does not want," he said in his 90-minute speech.
"I want to assure the government of India that Pakistan will extend full cooperation to identify the perpertators if you give us proof and evidence", Musharraf said.
Observing that Pakistan was itself a victim of terrorism, he said "we are with you (India) to fight this menace.
Musharraf said, "I want to send out a message to the people of Mumbai that we are deeply saddened that so many innocent people lost their lives in this terror attacks. I share the grief and condole with the families of the victims. The government of Pakistan, its people and I are with you.
"We are all against terrorism. Pakistan is in an international coalition against terrorism," he said.
Musharraf has been facing mounting criticism by India for not fulfilling his promise to dismantle terror infrastructure in Pakistani territory.
"But to blame and name, to start a blame game like this is the first sign of weakness. We must think carefully before making comments and no one should make unsubstantiated comments," he said.
"I want to tell the Indian government that we will co-operate fully, I assure you that in tracking terrorists or a particular organisation, we will give you complete co-operation, if you give us proof, evidence. We will fully co-operate with you in the investigations," he said.
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