Russian prosecutor general and US attorney general discuss prospects of cooperation

Russian prosecutor general Vladimir Ustinov and head of the US department of justice and US attorney general John Ashcroft discuss prospects of concluding a number of treaties in the law-enforcement field in Moscow.

Vladimir Ustinov expressed satisfaction with the fact that last February the Russia-USA treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal affairs came into force. At the same time, he regrets that the treaties on extradition, and mutual assistance in civil and family affairs have not been signed yet.

The Russian prosecutor general emphasised that collaboration between the two departments is of a systemic and consistent nature. According to him, the Russian prosecutor general's office makes specific decisions which help to actively conduct criminal prosecution and defend citizens' rights.

Ustinov shares the concern connected with the enlargement of the scale of terrorism with numerous human casualties. He expressed confidence that "the active joint activity of our countries in the struggle against terrorism and crime in other organised forms will develop." For his part John Ashcroft highly assessed the work which Russia is doing in combating terrorism and thanked for support rendered to the USA in this sphere. He also expressed readiness to discuss prospects of concluding treaties in the law-enforcement sphere.