Agreement between US, Libyan Min of Justice

The following is the text of the Declaration of Intent Between the U.S. Department of Justice and the Libyan Ministry of Justice, signed in Tripoli on Monday:

Whereas cooperation in law enforcement matters between the United States of America and Libya is critical to the shared objectives of countering terrorism and transnational crime as well as eliminating corruption;

Understanding that international law enforcement cooperation is increasingly essential in an era of globalization;

Noting that terrorism, transnational crime, and corruption are destabilizing elements which inhibit development and threaten the prospects of a peaceful transition to democracy;

Consistent with the obligations of both the United States and Libya under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Person, including Diplomatic Agents, the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings, UN Convention against Corruption, the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, the UN Convention against lllicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, and other relevant agreements to which they are both party;

The U.S. Department of Justice and the Libyan Ministry of Justice, desiring to facilitate effective cooperation by both countries in law enforcement matters relating to terrorism, transnational crime, and corruption, declare their intent to cooperate, including as follows:

1. The law enforcement agencies from both countries intend to collaborate informally to share documents and investigative information related to investigations undertaken by either side;
2. The law enforcement agencies from both countries intend to promptly share other relevant information, such as threat information, and documents on an informal basis;
3. The law enforcement agencies from both countries intend to facilitate in-person interviews of witnesses and suspects;
4. The Central Authorities of both countries intend to act on mutual legal assistance requests for the production of bank records, business records, and other evidence;
5. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, when circumstances permit, is able to offer the capabilities of its forensic specialists and its forensic laboratory to assist Libyan authorities in investigation of crime;
6. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, when circumstances permit, intends to explore opportunities to offer law enforcement-related training to assist Libyan authorities in the investigation of crime; and
7. Legal experts from both countries intend to meet in order to discuss ways of enhancing mutual legal assistance relating to terrorism, transnational crime, and corruption.

Signed in Tripoli, on the 2nd day of the month of December, 2013, in duplicate in the English and Arabic languages.

(Source: Embassy of the United States)