EU to sign extradition deal with US

EUROPEAN Union justice ministers yesterday agreed to sign a landmark extradition deal with the United States after a year of talks, despite criticism from human rights campaigners and fears over the death penalty.

The deal is part of Europe’s pledge to help the US fight terrorism after the September 11, 2001, attacks and comes at a time when the 15-nation EU and Washington are trying to heal rifts caused by the US-led Iraq war.

The extradition pact goes hand in hand with another accord that will allow US and EU police officers to set up joint investigation teams, share evidence and cut red tape in requesting help and information in crime and terrorism cases.