On the fourth anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror strike, US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman says Lashkar-e-Tayiba operative David Coleman Headley's extradition to India is under consideration in an exclusive interview with CNN-IBN.
On Kasab's execution
The US is very clear on that -- we must do whatever we can to bring all of those responsible for such heinous act to justice. I had friends at the Taj Hotel during that time who were emailing me that day, friends from the United Kingdom and the US were there during that time.
So many Indians died, six Americans died. The US wants to do every single thing that we can to bring everyone to justice. We have announced the rewards for justice program to bring the organiser of the attack -- LeT founder Hafiz Saeed to justice.
In this execution that just occurred, the US was very much engaged with India. The Federal Bureau of Investigation testified, we helped with forensic, with GPS locations; we gave access to Headley to Indian authorities.
I think its incumbent upon all of us to bring everybody to justice who had anything to do with this ordeal."
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'We are in the process of bringing Saeed to justice'
Photographs: Reuters
Reward for justice is just one tool. This is just one tool among many things we are doing to bring everyone to justice. We continue our work with the Indian authorities; we raise this issue with Pakistan.
The next tool is to continue with what we are doing. Eventually we will prevail, I absolutely believe that. The world has seen when President Obama puts his mind to bringing people to justice it does happen.
It may take some time but we don't lose focus. The US courts have convicted both Headley and Tahawwur Rana (the Pakistani-Canadian accused in 26/11 case) who we believe have been part of this. They are now waiting sentencing. So we don't believe in finishing till the job is completely done.
On a direct operation against Saeed
We are in the process of bringing him and others to justice. I think we all would like it to happen today if not yesterday. I understand as we all live this anniversary today. It's a part of the justice; we will pursue it and bring him to justice.
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'Indian authorities had substantial access to Headley'
As far as my understanding, the Indian authorities had substantial access to Headley. We will continue to work with India as we have done in the past to ensure India has whatever required in this process.
I am sure our authorities stay in close contact on this matter and I will see what we can do to meet India's requirement. But my understanding is there has been unprecedented access for India.
On direct interrogation of Headley by India
My understanding is there has been direct cross examination by Indian authorities of Headley. What I can assure is that our authorities have been very responsive to Indian authorities and we will continue to do so.
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'Headley is going to pay for his role in the heinous act'
If I'm an Indian citizen I would want Headley here and I will want him here tomorrow. I understand the sentiment and feel the same way as an Indian citizen. But India is a country of rule of law as is the US.
There are processes of justice what both of our countries recognise. That's what is being played out with Headley. He has been convicted. He is about to face sentencing and he is going to pay for his role in this heinous act. I hope Indians understand the rule of law.
On extradition of Rana or Headley
That extradition request is before the US now. I expect that there will be a ruling on that soon. I can't speak about the department of justice.
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