U.S. Senate Approves 39 Criminal Cooperation Treaties

On October 21, 1998, the U.S. Senate voted to approve for ratification 39 treaties providing for international criminal cooperation, including 19 mutual assistance in criminal matters treaties (MLATs), 18 extradition treaties, and 1 prisoner transfer treaty. Once in force, U.S. MLATs will be almost doubled. The extradition treaties are modern and close many loopholes. The comprehensive scope of the treaties will enable the U.S. to require cooperation in a wide range of matters.