McCain for cooperation of Delhi and Islamabad

Islamabad: United States Senator and Republican Presidential candidate in last month's election Senator John McCain says "Pakistan understands it must take quick action on any terrorists connected to the Mumbai attacks living in the country."

"I believe Islamabad will cooperate with India and take timely-specific acts to avert further deepening of this crisis," he told the media after meeting Pakistani prime minister.

"From the meetings we had, we are encouraged that the government of Pakistan will show that cooperation in words and deeds," he emphasised.

John McCain, who ran against US President-elect Barack Obama in last month's presidential election as a Republican party candidate, is leading a delegation comprising Senators Joe Lieberman and Lindsey O.Graham on a visit to Pakistan as a follow-up of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's visit to Islamabad and New Delhi, to cool down temperatures between the South Asian rivals. Tensions are gradually building up following the terror attacks in Mumbai. McCain came to Pakistan immediately after the Indian visit.

In Pakistan, the US senators met Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, Army Chief Ashfaq Pervaz Kayani, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif among other officials.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gilani told the US delegation that his country would not allow its territory to be used for any terrorist activity. "Terrorism will be rooted out because it's a threat to the country's security, integrity and economy," he said.