Media Note
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
January 18, 2006

U.S. and Greece Sign Extradition and Legal Assistance Protocols

Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Daniel Fried and Greek Ambassador to the United States, Alexandros Mallias, signed Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance protocols at the State Department today. The Extradition protocol supplements and updates a bilateral treaty dating from 1931, while the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) supplements a 1999 agreement between the two nations. They will allow U.S. and Greek law enforcement officials in both countries to cooperate more effectively in bringing criminals to justice and in combating international terrorism.

In brief remarks after the signing, Assistant Secretary Fried noted the agreements show that "the Greek-American friendship is strong, and we are putting it to work in the service of a better world." He added that these protocols would enhance cooperation with law enforcement and strengthen the rule of law, while continuing collaboration in the fight against terrorism.

Ambassador Mallias remarked that the agreements demonstrated "the continuity and the consistency" of U.S.-Greek relations and furthered the "strategic cooperation and partnership between the United States and Greece."

2006/57

Released on January 18, 2006

Updates | Frequent Questions | Contact Us | Email this Page | Subject Index | Search
The Office of Electronic Information, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.
About state.gov | Privacy Notice | FOIA | Copyright Information | Other U.S. Government Information

Published by the U.S. Department of State Website at http://www.state.gov maintained by the Bureau of Public Affairs.