It was both a defiant and defensive Husain Haqqani, Pakistan's Ambassador to the US, who in appearing on the Sunday news talk shows on television, and asked to explain India's accusing finger at Pakistan for the deadly terrorist attacks in Mumbai, began pointing to the 9/11 terrorist coming from countries that couldn't be held responsible for the attacks and also terrorist training camps in the United States itself.
Haqqani on ABC's This Week and CNN's Late Edition, said, "The 9/11 attackers came from several different countries. No one blamed the governments of these countries, and I am glad that no one is accusing the government of Pakistan, the military of Pakistan, or even Pakistan's intelligence services with any credible evidence this time around."
When reminded that the Foreign Minister of India had said that "the preliminary investigation indicates that some elements in Pakistan are involved," Haqqani retorted, "Terrorists operate in so many countries these days. There have been terrorists that have been found in the United States, training. They have been caught, (and) that doesn't mean that the United States is to blame."
He argued that "the important thing is Pakistan is a victim of terrorism, India is a victim of terrorism, we need to put the burden of history behind us, work together and make sure that both us get rid of this terrorist menace that afflicts both our countries."
Haqqani said the aim of these terrorists is "to harm India-Pakistan ties," and all these extremists want is for "India and Pakistan to be at each other's throats so that they can flourish. I think India and Pakistan should be very cautious not to let terrorists flourish."
He asserted that "the important thing to understand is that Pakistan has condemned this action. Pakistan is on the same side as India and the United States and the rest of the world in fighting terrorism."
Haqqani said,Pakistan would not "leave any stone unturned in helping with the investigation or dealing with any individual or group that might have connections with it as long as we have evidence to move against them."
He said Pakistani leaders from the President to the Prime Minister to several other officials, "have made it clear that this time around, Pakistan is not going to give any quarter to any terrorist group and we want to work with India. We will cooperate in the investigation and we'll make sure we get these groups if they have any connection to us."
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