Members of the European Parliament expressed concern...

Members of the European Parliament expressed concern over a planned extradition treaty between the European Union and Washington, claiming the United States had a poor human rights record. The unprecedented pact is part of the EU's pledge to help the US fight against terrorism after the September 11 attacks. Parliament members criticised EU governments for secretly negotiating the deals with Washington and the fact that the EU would even consider entering into an extradition treaty with a nation that endorses the use of capital punishment. "I just hope that...the text will ensure that no extradited European citizen or resident will face the death penalty, that no European will end up in (US detention camp) Guantanamo Bay without charges, without trial," British Liberal Democrat member Baroness Sarah Ludford said during a debate on the proposed deal. "We must solve the disgrace of Europeans at Guantanamo Bay before ratifying this agreement," Baroness Ludford added. According to the text of the deal, EU member states have the right to deny extradition in case where the death penalty could be applied or enforced. EU states can also refuse extradition if the United States cannot guarantee defendants a fair trial.