India, Afghanistan implicitly flay Pakistan

New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) In an apparent reference to Pakistan, India and Afghanistan Monday said that countries needed to prevent acts of terrorism emanating from their soil.

A joint statement issued at the end of President Hamid Karzai's 24-hour trip to New Delhi said the visit was symbolic, 'to express Afghanistan's solidarity with the government and people of India in the wake of the Mumbai terrorist attack'.

'The leaders (Karzai and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh) called for the full compliance with bilateral, multilateral and international obligations of states to prevent terrorism in any manner originating from territories under their control,' the statement said.

'The leaders called for the full compliance with bilateral, multilateral and international obligations of states to prevent terrorism in any manner originating from territories under their control.

'Terrorism emanates from the sanctuaries and training camps and the sustenance and support received by the terrorist groups,' it added.

Although the statement did not mention Pakistan by name, the reference was obvious.

Both countries have accused Pakistan of using terrorism as a state policy against them. Kabul has charged Islamabad with covertly supporting the Taliban.

India also blamed the Pakistani intelligence for the July bombing at the Indian mission in Kabul that killed over 50 people.

On Monday, India again underscored its determination to carry on with the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

Manmohan Singh told Karzai that the Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul transmission line and the power sub-station at Chimtala in northern Afghanistan would be handed over shortly to Afghanistan, the statement said.

The power deal is the second major infrastructure project in Afghanistan aided by India.

India will also gift Afghanistan 250,000 tonnes of wheat to enable it to tide over a food crunch.

'The shipment will be effected immediately as soon as the government of Afghanistan has worked out its transportation arrangements,' the statement added.

India has pledged $1.2 billion for reconstruction work in war-hit Afghanistan.