Subject: AI Press Release on the EU proposals to combat terrorism, the

EU arrestwarrant and the surrender procedures

Press Release from Amnesty International EU Office

Brussels, 20 September, 2001

Amnesty International welcomes EU efforts to combat impunity

As EU Justice and Homes Affairs Ministers gather in Brussels today for

their extraordinary council meeting, following the attacks in the US

last week, Amnesty International has expressed its support for the EU's

determination to combat impunity. However, the human rights organization

has called for explicit assurances that any measure to tighten security

will not undermine civil liberties and the right of refugees to

protection.

The measures adopted yesterday by the Commission to strengthen judicial

cooperation in criminal matters, include the European arrest warrant and

the surrender procedures between the member states. Amnesty

International welcomes the facilitation of extradition for certain

offences, such as crimes against humanity and torture.

"Amnesty International would support the extradition of anyone accused

of involvement in these crimes to a country in which they will be

brought to justice in trials which uphold internationally recognized

rights of fair trail and in which the penalties for those convicted do

not involve the death penalty, torture, or other forms of cruel, inhuman

or degrading treatment or punishment", said Dick Oosting, Director of

Amnesty International's EU Office.

Amnesty International recommends that such safeguards be explicitly

stated, to ensure they apply to all current and future EU member states,

as well as to any other state with whom the EU may wish to undertake

agreements in this regard.

For further comment/background and interviews:

Amnesty International EU Office (Brussels):

Tel: 32-2-5021499/5482772

Fax: 32-2-5025686

Email: amnesty-eu@aieu.be

Web-site: www.amnesty-eu.org