US, EU ink extradition pact

Oct 28, 2009, 18:12 GMT

Washington - The United States and European Union signed an extradition agreement on Wednesday that allows EU nations to refuse to send suspects to the United States who could face the death penalty.

The agreement also sharpens trans-Atlantic cooperation in fighting terrorism and sharing information. It allows the creation of EU-US task forces to address terrorism and serious crimes. It also buttresses existing bilateral agreements between Washington and EU states.

The United States and European Union began negotiating the agreement after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. EU justice ministers ratified the deal, which goes into effect February 1, earlier this month.

'This is an historical occasion,' Swedish Justice Minister Beatrice Ask said at a signing ceremony with US Attorney General Eric Holder at the Swedish embassy in Washington. Stockholm currently holds the rotating EU presidency.

The European Union is a long time critic of the use of the death penalty used in the US to execute criminals convicted of serious crimes like murder.

The agreement also makes it easier for both sides to request and share bank account information about suspects. It establishes the use of video conferencing so witnesses or experts in crimes do not have to travel to testify during proceedings.