Sarkozy honours 26/11 heroes

French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Tuesday paid tribute to victims of the 26/11 terror attacks and called upon Pakistani authorities to show that they are resolute in combating terrorism.

Speaking at a special memorial service held at the Trident-Oberoi Hotel, which had along with Taj Mahal Hotel, bore the brunt of the terror attack in 2008, Sarkozy said: 'Mumbai terror attacks are comparable to 9/11 attacks. I count on Pakistan authorities to show that they are resolute in combating terrorism.'

"We should have true international cooperation to combat terrorism. We shall stand by India so that justice is delivered," he added.

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Sarkozy also honoured Karambir Kang of Taj Hotel and Devendra Bharma of Trident-Oberoi for their efforts in saving lives during 26/11 attacks with 'Insignia of Officer of Ordre National Du Merite' for distinguished service.

Accompanied by wife Carla Bruni and other French officials, the President also observed one-minute silence remembering the martyrs.

DGP Sivanandan, Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjeev Dayal were among the top police officials present on the occasion.

Earlier, on arrival in Mumbai on Tuesday morning, the French President paid tributes to the 26/11 martyrs at the Police Memorial on Marine Drive.

Accompanied by wife Carla Bruni and French officials, the President laid a wreath in the memory of the martyred security personnel and observed a minute's silence.

166 people were killed by ten terrorists who stormed South Mumbai late on November 26, 2008, targeting a pub, two luxury hotels, country's oldest and biggest railway terminus (CST), a Jewish centre and a hospital, among others.

The final programme in Sarkozy's Mumbai itinerary will be an address to business leaders jointly organised by industry bodies CII and FICCI and to be attended by Indian and French business leaders.

The event will be held at Hotel Taj Mahal Palace, another site of the dastardly strike, and will be preceded by signing of an agreement between CII and France's The Movement Des Enterprises De France International for extending trade relations, according to a CII executive.

Sarkozy is scheduled to fly back to France after the one-hour meeting with business leaders, though it was not clear if there will be any definite agreements signed during the meet