India, Pakistan peace process not derailed by train blast

AP/Washington Post:

Leaders of India and Pakistan pressed ahead Monday with their peace process, hours after twin bombs _ apparently intended to disrupt their relations _ sparked a fire that killed 66 people aboard a train that links the two rivals.

The fire destroyed two coaches on the Samjhauta Express, about an hour after the train left New Delhi on its way to the Pakistan border. Officials said the attack was timed ahead of the arrival of Pakistani Foreign Minister Khursheed Kasuri, who was expected Tuesday in the Indian capital.

"This is an attempt to derail the improving relationship between India and Pakistan, Railway Minister Laloo Prasad told reporters.

Pakistan quickly decried the attack, and Indian officials took pains to avoid laying any quick blame. Each side appeared to reach out across the border.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh declared his country's "abhorrence for this heinous terrorist act," and expressed his condolences by telephone to Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, according to Singh's office. Most of the dead were Pakistani.

India will do "everything possible to ensure that its perpetrators are punished," the statement said.

...
The reaction had to disappoint those responsible for the blast. I don't think they will desist in the future though. Historically terror attacks increase at the prospect for a peace agreement. Al Qaeda is also desperately in need of a distraction right now as attention is being focused on their operations on the Afghan border.

The NY Times also reports the agreement of the two countries to focus on the terrorist and not let it derail their search for agreements.

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