For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
"While I have been in Canada this week meeting with our partners across the Northern border to discuss ways we can share information and cooperate on border security issues, Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute is holding similar meetings with our European counterparts in London and Rome. Her discussions are focused on further developing our international relationships and high level of cooperation in combating terrorism, battling crime and illegal migration, and improving cybersecurity efforts.
Today, Deputy Secretary Lute joined with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Italian Interior Minister Roberto Maroni to sign an Agreement to Prevent and Combat Serious Crime that allows for the exchange of fingerprints and other data on known terrorists and criminals while protecting individual privacy. Terrorists and criminals do not respect borders, and this agreement is yet another step forward in the Department of Homeland Security’s growing cooperation with the international community to combat multinational threats—including human trafficking, the smuggling of drugs and other contraband, and terrorism," said Secretary Napolitano.
The agreement displays a strong commitment by the United States and Italy to work together to prevent terrorists and criminals from crossing borders illegally and will enhance the security of international initiatives, such as the Visa Waiver Program.
Deputy Secretary Lute’s travels to London earlier this week included meetings with the U.S.-UK Joint Contact Group and UK Home Office Permanent Secretary Sir David Normington to discuss strategies addressing terrorism and violent extremism in both countries, and collaboration on numerous other issues.
Today through Saturday in Rome, Deputy Secretary Lute will attend the G8 Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs Meeting along with Attorney General Holder. She will discuss a variety of priorities with G8 partners, including transnational organized crime, urban security, counterterrorism, human trafficking and violent extremism.
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