| Author (Person) | Cronin, David, Winneker, Craig |
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| Series Title | European Voice |
| Series Details | Vol.8, No.16, 25.4.02 |
| Publication Date | 25/04/2002 |
| Content Type | News |
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Date: 25/04/02 By EU JUSTICE ministers meeting today and tomorrow are due to authorise the Spanish presidency to negotiate a new extradition agreement with the US. Securing such a deal, which would also cover legal cooperation and the exchange of data on criminals, was identified as a priority on both sides of the Atlantic in the aftermath of the 11 September atrocities. But EU opposition to capital punishment has been a major stumbling block. As a result, the ministers are likely to stipulate that the accord will be conditional on guarantees that suspects handed over from EU countries to the US will not be given the death penalty, irrespective of any convictions that may ensue. A senior US official said this week that the White House hopes to be able to make significant progress on judicial cooperation at the 2 May EU-US summit in Washington. 'We're exploring the possibilities of an eventual deal on extradition,' the diplomat said. 'Eight months ago we could not have fathomed having these discussions.' Amnesty International yesterday (24 April) said the deal must contain an 'express safeguard' on the non-use of the death penalty. EU justice and home affairs ministers meeting on 25-26 April 2002 are due to authorise the Spanish presidency to negotiate a new extradition agreement with the US. |
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| Subject Categories | Justice and Home Affairs, Politics and International Relations |
| Countries / Regions | Spain, United States |
