U.S. and Germany Sign Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Agreement

On October 14, 2003, the United States and Germany signed a Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Agreement (MLAT), which includes a provision for both sides to request wire taps and monitor suspected terrorists. The agreement ended twenty years of failed negotiations between the two countries. Germany hesitated to pact with the United States before the latter agreed to exhaust the uses of the MLAT before engaging in unilateral evidence gathering efforts. Germany reserves the right to withhold evidence unless the United States assures them it will not contribute to a death sentence. This agreement comes three months after the United States concluded similar talks with the European Union, which opened the way for further discussions with EU member states.