The governments of Spain and the United States signed Friday a legal assistance and extradition agreement that reinforces bilateral cooperation in the combat against international crime and terrorism.

The agreement was signed by Spanish Justice Minister Juan Lopezand US Attorney General John Ashcroft.

Lopez told the press the agreement represents "a perfection and a sensitive improvement of judicial and political cooperation."

On the other hand, Ashcroft underscored that the United States is aware of the global threat against terrorism and that in the face of this phenomenon the best response is to have good partners.

According to the Spanish minister, this instrument of international cooperation is considered in the criminal justice and extradition assistance between the United States and the European Union (EU), signed on June 25, 2003, which have to be adopted by each of the member countries.

Lopez indicated that the agreement on extradition includes a safeguard clause of the constitutional prohibition of death penalty in Spain, which has been accorded between both nations as a condition of exclusion in case of extradition files.

Among the main novelties introduced through this agreement, said the minister, are the identification of banking information and the formation of joint investigative teams.

As well, the taking of oath through a videoconference, the use of fast communication means and mutual assistance to the proper administrative authorities, as well as data protection are considered within the framework of the agreement.
 
(Xinhua News Agency December 18, 2004)