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U.S., EU sign terrorism pacts
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The United States and the European Union signed agreements Wednesday that could prove central in international efforts to combat terrorism and stop the spread of weapons of mass destruction. U.S. and European leaders also vowed to pressure North Korea and Iran not to develop nuclear weapons. President George W. Bush has said the two countries present "proliferation challenges." After meetings with the European delegation, Bush announced, "We signed new agreements to increase our legal cooperation in the war on terror and to speed the extradition of terrorists. "Under these agreements, we will form joint investigative teams and share information on suspect bank accounts and expand the range of offenses that qualify for extradition." Bush also called on European officials to halt the money trail funding terrorist organizations, including the Palestinian groups that he said are standing in the way of peace efforts. "Nearly every hopeful moment in the region, nearly every sign of progress toward peace, is followed by more murders in the guise of martyrdom, as those who oppose peace do all they can to destroy the hopes and aspirations of those who desire to live in peace," Bush said. "I urge the leaders in Europe and around the world to take swift, decisive action against terror groups such as Hamas, to cut funding and support, as the United States has done." European Commission President Romano Prodi and Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, whose country currently holds the EU presidency, joined Bush at a news conference. Both men expressed their support for the road map for Middle East peace, which was backed by the "Middle East Quartet" -- the United States, the European Union, Russia, and the United Nations. Bush said the United States and EU "have also taken new steps to help stop the gravest threat to our security: the proliferation of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. We have agreed to work together and with others to strengthen export controls on dangerous materials. We also seek new methods, including active interdiction, to stop illicit trade in weapons of mass destruction." The United States and the EU "are working closely to meet the proliferation challenges posed by North Korea and Iran," Bush said. Relationship intactHe cited a recent report from the International Atomic Energy Agency that, he said, "clearly describes Iran's failure to meet its obligations to the world and to provide access for agency officials. Iran has pledged not to develop nuclear weapons, and the entire international community must hold that regime to its commitments." The leaders also discussed ways of improving trade and other forms of cooperation, Bush and the European officials said. Part of the goal behind the meeting was to mend fences damaged by the Iraq war. European nations were deeply divided over the issue, and relations with the United States were tested. Greece's prime minister the relationship between Europe and the United States is intact. "I want to stress, because many people said that there was a serious period of strain, that the trans-Atlantic relationship does work, it produces results, and it is important for both of us," Simitis said. "It's of fundamental importance, I would say. A solid and productive trans-Atlantic relationship is essential for international order."
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