New Delhi: America believes that there is enough evidence for Pakistan to go after Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed.
At a press conference in New Delhi the new US ambassador, Tim Roemer, was asked if Washington believed there was enough evidence to prosecute Saeed. In reply, he said said Pakistan needs to bring the Mumbai perpetrators to justice including Saeed.
He said, "We are committed to shutting down terror networks around the world and want to bring perpetrators of 26/11 to justice. People held in Pakistan need to be brought to justice and that includes everybody you mentioned."
We are pressing Pakistan hard on Mumbai suspects, Roemer added.
Describing the position of the US towards combating terrorism as "firm, resolute and bold", Roemer said, "We are committed to shutting down terrorist networks around the world and shutting down financing of those networks. We want to work with India and enhance our cooperation to achieve these results."
He also noted that both the US and India have common understanding on the issue of regional stability.
The US ambassador said, "the US stands firmly with India against terrorism. FBI officials are testifying this week in Mumbai in the 26/11 trial. We will continue to seek justice for those killed in Mumbai and we will work closely with India to share with you the lessons learned in the wake of our tragic attacks of September 11, 2001."
Home Minister P Chidambaram has been invited to visit the US for additional discussions on precisely how our two nations can cooperate, Roemer said, adding the US and President Barack Obama gives "high-priority" to work with India.
He said one of his tasks as ambassador would be to broaden and deepen the bilateral strategic ties.
On travel alerts issued by the US ahead of Independence Day in India, the ambassador said it was only reiteration to ensure the well being and safety of its citizens and was based on the past incidents that occurred in various places including Islamabad and Jakarta.
(With PTi inputs)