'Pakistan should deliver on promises'

Addressing a press conference in here, Krishna said India had submitted sufficient evidence to Pakistan against the conspirators of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai to get them punished in the court of law on the basis of evidence.

“If Pakistan is serious about taking logical steps against the perpetrators of the attack, then those responsible should be punished,” he said to a question on Pakistan dubbing the sixth dossier on Mumbai attack submitted by India as a “rehash of information.”

“If they have any problem, then they (Pakistan) should explain, we will help,” Krishna said.

He said Pakistan was the epicentre of terror in the region and India had brought the same to the notice of all its friendly countries. “India has temporarily ended its “composite dialogue” with Pakistan after 26/11. It is for Pakistan to take the initiative to resume the composite dialogue by satisfying India’s requirements,” he added. On the rehabilitation of internally displaced people in Sri Lanka, Krishna said the process was being delayed because of the presence of a large number of mines in the northern parts of the country.

India had already sent four de-mining expert teams to Sri Lanka to help the authorities.

On the attack on students in Australia, Krishna said there had been a substantial improvement in the situation and there had been no attacks since his visit Down Under last month.

He commended the Australian authorities on tackling the problem.

“I am glad that they have kept their promise. From the Indian students’ perspective, it is quiet and normal there,” he said.

Hassan couple

On the deportation of a farmer couple from Hassan at Charles de Gaulle Airport in France recently, Krishna said the French authorities had promised to hold an inquiry and submit a report with a week’s time.

Ashok Kumar and wife Meenakshamma from Hassan were stopped at the airport in Paris when in transit and taken away by the French authorities because they could show a letter of invitation from their son for their visit to Finland.

“However, those travelling abroad need to carry all the necessary documents with them,” Krishna added.

The External Affairs minister  said India, Brazil and South Africa would work on formulating a development agenda and learn from each other.

“The three countries form a formidable combination as all are emerging democracies in their respective continents,” Krishna added.