Congress downplays US ambassador's comments in Headley issue

Congress today downplayed the statement of US Ambassador Timothy J Roemer that no decision has been taken to provide India direct access to 26/11 accused David Headley, saying the issue of access will arise only after sentencing.

"It is not fair to comment on the statement of the ambassador. The issue (of access) will arise only after the sentencing is complete and he enters plea bargain..." party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told reporters here.

American Ambassador Timothy J Roemer earlier said in a statement that no decision to provide Indian investigators direct access to Pakistani-American David Headley, who has confessed to plotting the Mumbai attacks, has been made.

Singhvi said, "I do not think the Ambassador has said anything with finality on the issue..." 

The spokesman said the government of India was moving ahead with its investigations and will take all necessary steps for its progress.