Condoleezza Rice begins Europe tour in London
Monday, 01 Dec 2008 10:36
US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice in London to visit foreign secretary David Miliband (Nato)
Condoleezza Rice, US secretary of state, is in London today to visit foreign secretary David Miliband, with the Mumbai attacks topping the agenda.
Conflicts in
Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo are also expected to be discussed.
Ms Rice will later travel to Brussels and India; to express Washington's solidarity following the attacks.
Western powers are watching the war of words between India and
Pakistan with increasing urgency after New Delhi accused Pakistani elements of being involved in the attacks.
The neighbours are both nuclear powers with a long history of conflict, and the US and UK want Pakistan to maintain patrols of its semi-lawless tribal regions, rather than redirect them towards a conflict with India.
Analysts are still unable to confirm reports saying at least some of the gunmen were from Pakistan. The Pakistani government denies the claim.
Ms Rice is expected to dedicate her time in Brussels to dealing with Russia's resurgent ambitions, but will have a chance to clarify her position with Mr Miliband in London first.
Her tour begins just as President-elect Obama is expected to announce his choice for her post – former rival Hillary Clinton.