20 September 2001
Text: Joint U.S.-EU Statement on Combating Terrorism
(Broad areas for cooperation outlined) (490)
The United States and European Union (EU) have outlined several key
areas for future cooperation in their effort to eliminate
international terrorism.
In a ministerial statement issued September 20, the two major powers
said they would step up cooperation on aviation and other transport
security, police and judicial activities, financial sanctions, export
controls, border controls and exchange of electronic data.
The statement followed a same-day meeting between Secretary of State
Colin Powell, Belgian Foreign Minister Louis Michel (Belgium currently
holds the presidency of the EU), EU External Affairs Commissioner
Chris Patten, and Javier Solana, secretary general of the EU Council
and the high representative for the EU's Common Foreign and Security
Policy.
"The U.S. and the EU are committed to enhancing security measures,
legislation and enforcement," the statement said. "We will mount a
comprehensive, systematic and sustained effort to eliminate
international terrorism -- its leaders, its actions, its networks."
Following is the text of the statement:
(begin text)
In the coming days, weeks and months, the United States and the
European Union will work in partnership in a broad coalition to combat
the evil of terrorism. We will act jointly to expand and improve this
cooperation worldwide. Those responsible for the recent attacks must
be tracked down and held to account. We will mount a comprehensive,
systematic and sustained effort to eliminate international terrorism
-- its leaders, its actions, its networks. Those responsible for
aiding, supporting or harboring the perpetrators, organizers and
sponsors of these acts will be held accountable. Given the events of
September 11, 2001 it is imperative that we continue to develop
practical measures to prevent terrorists from operating.
Our resolve is a reflection of the strength of the U.S.-EU
relationship, our shared values, and our determination to address
together the new challenges we face. The nature of our democratic
societies makes it imperative to protect our citizens from terrorist
acts, while at the same time protecting their individual liberties,
due process, and the rule of law. The U.S. and the EU are committed to
enhancing security measures, legislation and enforcement. We will work
together to encourage greater cooperation in international fora and
wider implementation of international instruments. We will also
cooperate in global efforts to eliminate the ability of terrorists to
plan and carry out future atrocities. We have agreed today that the
United States and the EU will vigorously pursue cooperation in the
following areas in order to reduce vulnerabilities in our societies:
-- Aviation and other transport security
-- Police and judicial cooperation, including extradition
-- Denial of financing of terrorism, including financial sanctions
-- Denial of other means of support to terrorists
-- Export control and nonproliferation
-- Border controls, including visa and document security issues
-- Law enforcement access to information and exchange of electronic
data
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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