U.S., Algeria sign first criminal enforcement agreement
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Algeria and the United States have signed their first criminal law enforcement agreement, the Justice Department announced on Wednesday.
U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric Holder and Algerian Minister of Justice Tayeb Belaiz signed the agreement in Algiers. It is designed to strengthen the two countries’ efforts against terrorism and transnational crime, the Justice Department said.
“The proliferation of crime across national borders makes it essential that we develop tools for international cooperation in bringing to justice those criminals – including terrorists – who threaten our safety and security,” Holder said at the signing.
Holder said the agreement “is emblematic of the goodwill between Algeria and the United States. It confirms the common goal we share in combating terrorism, organized crime and other serious violations of our laws.”
The United States has negotiated and signed more than 50 such mutual legal assistance agreements.
-- Michael Muskal
