Extradition negotiations between U.S. and Serbia

Belgrade, May 24. 2010. (Serbia Today) – The governments of Serbia and the U.S. began negotiations relating to a new treaty on the extradition of the most serious crimes perpetrators. The previous agreement of this kind was signed 111 years ago. The first and still valid extradition treaty between the governments of two countries was signed on 25 October 1901. The Serbian and U.S. governments started commenced the first round of negotiations on the new treaty in Belgrade. State secretary of Serbian Ministry of Justice Slobodan Homen said there was very good cooperation between security institutions of the United States and Serbia, stressing the healthy relationship when it comes to the fight against organized crime and drugs. "It's not enough that only the security institutions and police work together, but it is necessary that all perpetrators of crimes are brought to court and be convicted", Homen said.  He said that the willingness of the United States to extradite its citizens to Serbia is a reflection of confidence in the Serbian judiciary.  Homen said that Serbia has negotiated the same kind of agreements with Croatia and Italy and expressed his expectation that general agreement with European union will be signed as soon as possible. U.S. Ambassador Mary Warlick said that such negotiations helps for more successful and deeper relations between the two countries, but they are also an opportunity for joint operations to overcome the threats and challenges of today. "We expect productive and detailed discussions on the draft text in the next few days and successful conclusion of bilateral extradition contract.  That would provide important tools, and our countries will be able to answer all the security challenges", Warlick said .