By Martin Banks - 20th September 2011
We in the US understand that terrorists and criminals are not respecters of national borders
Eric Holder
The US attorney general Eric Holder has dismissed fears that the furore over the transfer of airline passenger information has damaged EU-US relations.
Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, Holder was satisfied there was a 'consensus' between the two sides to tackle terrorism and serious crime.
He said, "There is a desire between the EU and US to be effective in the continuing fight against terrorism. But I also realise that we should not lose sight of the shared values that have bound us for many years."
Holder, the most senior law-enforcement officer in the US, was speaking at a news conference after addressing a meeting of the civil liberties committee on EU-US strategy against transnational crime.
Amid tight security for his visit to parliament, Holder said he had had a 'very good exchange' of views with MEPs on the committee about 'coupling' EU and US anti-crime policies.
He said "We in the US understand that terrorists and criminals are not respecters of national borders and that the oceans that once kept America safe can no longer do so."
Turning to the controversy over the exchange between the US and EU of information on airline passengers (PNR) the official attempted to defuse continuing criticism in some quarters, including from MEPs.
The agreement was introduced in the wake of the terrorist attacks on New York and the Pentagon on 11 September 2001.
He said, "PNR has proved to be an effective tool in providing us with valuable evidence which has aided the prosecution of terrorists and criminals.
"Yes, there have been concerns expressed about the PNR agreement with the EU but our focus has always been on the effectiveness of this tool."
He went on to insist that the Americans had also shown 'full respect' for individuals' right to privacy and the issue of civil liberties.
"I believe that the differences on this between the US and EU are more theoretical than real. There is no doubt in my mind that both sides want the same results.
"I can tell you that since PNR was introduced no-one's civil liberties in the US has been compromised. This is not to say, though, that concerns about PNR should not be dealt with. We recognise these concerns and are trying to deal with them."
He also repeated America's intention to close the controversial Guantanamo bay detention centre in Cuba "as soon as possible".
He said, "There is very strong opposition in the US congress to this, but the president's aim is to close the centre between now and the US elections in November 2012."
Many in Europe have been critical of the centre and he said it is hoped that closure of the centre will 'lead to a further improvement' in relations between the EU and US.
Speaking at the same news conference, the chairman of the civil liberties committee said the EU and US 'must overcome our differences' in the fight against terror.
Juan Fernando Lopez Aguilar said, "We in Europe remain determined to fight terrorism and transnational crime."
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