Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon spoke to his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee Thursday to express his condolences for the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks.

"This (Thursday) morning, I spoke to the Indian foreign minister and, on behalf of the people of Canada, relayed my sincere condolences for those injured and killed in these barbaric attacks," Cannon said in a statement.

Saying Canada stood united with India to combat all forms of terrorism, he stressed these attacks have strengthened their resolve to work together for the mutual security and prosperity of their people.

"Again, Canada strongly condemns these despicable acts of violence, which targeted innocent civilians."

Cannon said he had no information that any Canadian has been killed or injured in the terror attack, though a number were staying in the two hotels targeted by the terrorists.

"I am now able to confirm that a number of Canadians are staying in hotels targeted by the attackers. However, our information does not confirm whether any Canadians are among the injured or killed, or among the hostages.

"All consulate staff have been accounted for, and are actively seeking to locate and assist Canadians in Mumbai. The consulate in Mumbai continues to closely monitor the situation," Cannon said.

In the House of Commons, Deepak Obhrai, who is parliamentary secretary to Cannon, said: "On behalf of the government and people of Canada, I stand today to condemn, in the strongest terms, the deplorable terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India. The use of violence and terror against innocent civilians is appalling and must not be tolerated.

"We continue to work closely with Indian authorities to assist any Canadians who may be directly affected by these attacks," he added.

Meanwhile, India asserted it had the wherewithal to deal with the coordinated terror strikes in this commercial capital, even as it expressed appreciation for the offers of help that have come in from world capitals.

"We are monitoring and tackling the situation ourselves and will bring the culprits to book in no time. However, it is taking time because we want to avoid civilian casualties," External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told a TV news channel by phone from New Delhi.

The minister said that during the day he had received telephone calls from US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, as also the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, Oman and Israel, as well as the secretary general of the Arab League expressing solidarity with India and offering support and assistance.

"We appreciate their gesture," Mukherjee said.

Referring to his discussions Wednesday with his visiting Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Mukherjee said he had received some proposals on countering terrorism and these would be given "due consideration".

Asked about reports that naval vessels were chasing two ships that are suspected to have landed the terrorists in Mumbai, Mukherjee said: "Detailed information was being collected."

-Indo-Asian News Service