Canberra (Australia), Nov.26 (ANI): The Australian Government and the Australian Opposition today united with India in condemning the terrorist attacks that took place in Mumbai in 2008.
Simon Crean, Minister for Trade, said on the occasion of the first anniversary of the incident: "Today, we remember the attacks and we remember those who lost their lives, including two Australians, Douglas Markell from Woollahra and Brett Taylor from Turramurra.
Today, our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims of this senseless attack.
Our thoughts are also with the survivors, who suffered through a terrifying ordeal. We pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of all those who risked their lives to save others.
In difficult conditions, Indian security forces battled bravely and successfully to rescue hundreds of innocent people who were caught up in the attacks.
Australia applauds the efforts of the Indian government to bring to justice the perpetrators of the callous and despicable Mumbai attacks.
Australia and India are united in the fight against terrorism. We share a desire to promote regional and global security, as well as a common commitment to democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law.
And, we welcome yesterday's indictment, by a Pakistani Court in Rawalpindi, of seven suspects alleged to be involved in the Mumbai attacks under Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Act and Penal Code.
Pakistan will need to continue to take determined, sustained and effective action against extremists, including bringing the perpetrators of all terrorist attacks to justice.Australia will continue to do its part to support Pakistan in these efforts," he said.
Julie Bishop,Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, said: "Terrorist attacks rock a nation to its core, and India continues to struggle with the aftermath of the attacks that began on this day 12 months ago.
Today, our thoughts and sympathies are particularly with the families of the two Australians killed, Brett Taylor and Douglas Markell. The grief of their families will be felt keenly today.
Our sympathies also go out to the Indian citizens and the other international guests of India who were killed. More than 170 people died and more than 300 were wounded in the 10 attacks that occurred between 26 and 29 November 2008.
One can only imagine the fear and the chaos.While it is impossible to understand the types of beliefs that have infected the minds of the terrorists, the attacks are aimed squarely at the psyche of the citizens of free and open societies.
They seek to destroy the confidence of people going about their daily lives. The fact that terrorists strike without warning and murder people indiscriminately is deliberately calculated to strike fear in the hearts of all citizens, to paralyse the target society.
In the Australian Senate, Senator John Faulkner said: " I would like to pay tribute to all the victims of the Mumbai terrorist attacks. One year on, the families and friends of those killed and injured are trying to rebuild their lives.
I also wish to acknowledge the bravery and sacrifice of all those who risked their lives to save others. In difficult conditions, Indian security forces battled bravely and successfully to rescue hundreds of innocent people who were caught up in the attacks.
From across the Indian Ocean, Australia was deeply shocked and appalled by the deadly and horrific Mumbai attacks.
Senator Nick Minchin, Leader of Opposition in the Senate, said: It was indeed, as Senator Faulkner properly said, an horrific event and a great tragedy. We join with Senator Faulkner in acknowledging and remembering those killed and wounded in this dreadful event.
We acknowledge the bravery and sacrifice of all those involved, those who tried to help, those wounded and those whose memories will be scarred for life by their experience of that dreadful event. (ANI)
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