Mumbai attacks accused must be brought to justice: UN chief

New Delhi, April 27 (IANS) United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Friday asked India and Pakistan to continue with their peace dialogue, saying it is "significant" for both regional and global peace, even as he slammed terrorism and called for bringing to justice the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks.

At a press conference here on the second day of his four-day visit to India, Ban also said the UN "encouraged both countries to continue this effort" at peace in the region.

Asked about his discussion with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on terrorism, the UN secretary general said that "terrorism cannot be justified by stating any reasons or justifications" for it.

Noting that UN was making all possible effort along with the international community to "prevent, stop and fight" terrorism, Ban said: "It (terrorism) must be eliminated and the UN will continue to lead this campaign."

In this regard, the UN secretary general referred to the Mumbai terror attack and said: "All perpetrators of this crime should be brought to justice as soon as possible."

He also said that India and Pakistan should continue their dialogue on regional security and peace to enable "better, improved relations" between them.

Noting that a joint fight against terrorism was "important", he said the international community should be "united" in this effort, as it "is not possible for a single country" to tackle the issue.

Citing the UN counter-terrorism strategy adopted in September 2006 and the task force that has been established for implementation of the strategy, Ban Ki-moon said, "unfortunately" the world continues to experience and suffer many terrorist activities.