Seeking greater global cooperation to fight terror,French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Tuesday asked Pakistan to be resolute in combating the menace,saying terror originating from there was unacceptable. "We know the price Pakistanis are paying for terrorism but it is not acceptable for the world that terrorist attacks originate from (there) or (terrorists) are trained in Pakistan," he told a 26/11 commemorative function at Oberoi-Trident Hotel here. "It is not acceptable for Afghanistan and our troops in Afghanistan that Taliban and al Qaeda should find refuge in the frontier zones of Pakistan," Sarkozy said. Emphasising that France values its relations with Pakistan,he said,"A Pakistan which is democratic,stable and prosperous,is in the interest of this region and the world." "France will not give in to Islamist terrorists," he said,adding that his country has intensified its efforts to eradicate terrorism. The French president praised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for showing restraint after the 26/11 attacks. "We will never forget the Mumbai attacks and will be with India so that justice is rendered," Sarkozy said. "The Mumbai attacks made it clear that terrorism is a criminal activity although it pretends to act for political or religious objectives. It pretends to serve ideals but it injures them through its acts," he said. Terrorists from Pakistan had sneaked into Mumbai in November 2008 and massacred 166 people. Among them were foreigners including two French nationals. "The (Indian) prime minister showed remarkable restraint after the (Mumbai) attacks and is continuing the dialogue with Pakistan and has tenaciously created the politics of dialogue,which France supports," Sarkozy said. "For those threatened by al Qaeda and others,it is not enough to protect ourselves from such attacks. We must find a way to prevent them from repeating themselves. "It is not acceptable that terrorist groups operating from neighbouring territories are able to threaten the security of India," he said,adding "I count on Pakistan authorities to show that they are resolute in combating terrorism." Comparing the Mumbai terror strikes to 9/11 attacks in the US,he said,"We shall stand by India so that justice is delivered." Calling for international cooperation to check terror,he said terrorism should be outlawed universally. "We should have true international cooperation to combat terrorism." Sarkozy also honoured Karambir Kang of Taj Hotel and Devendra Bharma of Trident-Oberoi for their efforts in saving lives during 26/11 attacks with 'Insignia of Officer of Ordre National Du Merite' for distinguished service. Sarkozy's wife Carla Bruni and Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan were present on stage when he made the address at the Oberoi-Trident hotel,which was also attacked during 26/11 strikes.
