New Delhi [India], April 10 : Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar expressed his support for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and commended India's "persistence in bringing the terrorists to justice."
"We are encouraged to hear about the extradition to India of one of the perpetrators of the terrible and horrendous terrorist attacks that happened in Mumbai on 26th November 2008 which took the lives of more than 170 innocent civilians, including Israel's," Azar said in a video shared by Israel embassy in New Delhi.
"I would like to thank the Government of India for its persistence in bringing the terrorists to justice," he added.
Earlier, former Israeli Ambassador to India Daniel Carmon welcomed the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, calling it "a great development" in the long fight against terrorism.
"It is a great development for all those who feel like terrorists should be fought up to the last point... Knowing how terrible the terror attack was for India and the people of Mumbai, I think it is a great development, on top of a tragedy that we had to face," Carmon said.
Speaking on the Israel-India collaboration in counter-terrorism, he added: "Israel has always been with India in the fight against terrorism, and there is no one conversation or interview where we don't mention that India, like Israel, is suffering with terrorist attacks - unfortunately. Mumbai's 26/11 was definitely a terrible, terrible tragedy."
He continued, "I'm sure India and Israel will continue to cooperate in fighting terrorism. We signed an agreement many years ago, and I'm sure both countries will continue cooperating. Extradition is a huge development, an important diplomatic and judicial victory for India; I can say so without any doubt. I want to congratulate the Prime Minister and all necessary External Affairs Ministers for this."
Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, was convicted in the US for aiding Lashkar-e-Taiba. With the US Supreme Court clearing his extradition, the National Investigation Agency will take custody of him upon arrival in India. The Centre has appointed Advocate Narender Mann as Special Public Prosecutor in the case.
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