Menon meets Jones over Headley issue

Washington, Apr 13: Pushing on with the Headley issue, National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon met his US counterpart James Jones to discuss the modalities for India's access of David Coleman Headley, accused in the Mumbai terror attacks.

Menon's meeting with Jones came hours after US President Barack Obama assured Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India's access to Headley in accordance with the legal system of United States.

Sources said that the modalities and ways through which India can get access to Headley, a Pakistani-American, figured in the list of the discussion between the two National Security Advisers.

India has said that besides seeking access to Headley it would also push for Headley's extradition to India.

On Oct 2009, Headley entered into a plea bargain with US authorities under which he cannot be extradited to India, Pakistan and Denmark, but he can be interrogated on US soil.

Headley confessed to his involvement in the Mumbai terror attacks among other charges.

According to sources India would settkle for direct access to Headley, in case his extradition takes time.

"Extradition will be our preference because the crime has been committed in India," they said.

Sources said that India is undergoing a legal processes to seek access to and extradite Headley and would soon be sending a formal communication to US in this regard.

They added that India would like to interrogate Headley within the legal framework of the country.

"The interrogation should be legally usable and satisfy our legal processes," the sources said.

OneIndia News