French diplomats prevented European Union justice ministers...

French diplomats prevented European Union justice ministers from concluding negotiations on an unprecedented extradition pact with Washington. Diplomats said Paris was concerned the deal did not contain sufficient safeguards to ensure people extradited from Europe would receive a fair trial in US courts. The French also voiced worries the deal could hamper future judicial cooperation inside the 15-nation bloc and said they must first consult their national parliament. The accord, part of the EU's pledge to support Washington in the fight against terrorism, had raised concerns in Europe over US use of the death penalty and military tribunals to try foreign terrorist suspects. "There was enormous progress but some countries still have to get parliamentary approval," German Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries told reporters, citing France and Portugal. "The US has made concessions to the Europeans." Diplomats said Finland and the Netherlands also needed to consult their parliaments. "France wanted to specify that we are not going to extradite if there are not enough guarantees of a fair trial," an EU diplomat said. The proposals have been kept undisclosed but an EU statement said the draft accord "prohibits extradition if the death penalty will be imposed or executed". Diplomats have said the deal would also allow EU states to withhold evidence if it would lead to anyone being sentenced to death in the United States.