Italy, Britain Sign Extradition Treaty
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FLORENCE, Italy — A treaty aimed at easing the extradition of terrorists and drug traffickers that until now has been obstructed by the two countries’ differing legal systems was signed Wednesday by Italy and Britain.
During a meeting of senior ministers led by Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and Bettino Craxi, Britain also supported the entry of Italy and Canada into the “Group of Five” leading Western industrialized nations, Italian officials said.
An Italian statement said the new extradition treaty, replacing an agreement dating from 1873, is aimed at overcoming problems caused by the profound differences between the legal systems in Italy and Britain.
It includes arms, explosives and drug offenses not covered under the old agreement.
Italy particularly wants to obtain the extradition of five neo-fascist suspects Britain refused to hand over last year.
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