US officials assure to explore all ways to provide early access to Headley

US officials have agreed to take "suitable steps" in giving India a direct access to Headley, a statement released by the Indian Embassy in Washington said on Wednesday.

India's Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium, accompanied by Ambassador Meera Shankar met US Attorney General Eric Holder and other senior justice department officials on Wednesday to request for direct access to Pakistani American and Lashkar operative David Coleman Headley, who recently pleaded guilty to being part of the conspiracy in the horrific Mumbai terror attacks.

The Indian embassy said in a statement that Subramanium, Holder and the senior justice department officials held "detailed discussions," and that "these discussions have resulted in a mutual commitment that there would be the best possible cooperation in our common fight against terrorism."

Specifically with regard to the request regarding access to Headley, the statement said, "The two partners agreed to take suitable steps to bring about direct access by Indian authorities to David Headley as soon as possible."

"The partnership between India and the United States recognises the high priority to be accorded to each country's national security," the statement added.

It also stated that "both countries recognised the need for the investigations to reach a fruitful and successful outcome".

Senior Administration officials told rediff com that Obama had instructed Holder to provide full cooperation to India "within the guidelines of the (US) legal system," without compromising or jeopardising the "prosecution's case " against Headley, whose plea deal was a quid pro quo for the death sentence and any extradition to India being taken off the table.

The officials acknowledged that India's recent requests had hastened the process.

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had raised this issue with President Obama during their meeting in Blair House on April 11 on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, and National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon had reiterated the request in his meeting with Retd. General Jim Jones and had emphasised how important the issue was to India.

Singh, during his press conference on April 13, said he had raised this issue with Obama "and he (Obama) did mention to me that he is aware of the legal position and that we will get access to David Headley".