Brussels, 07/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - By show of hands on Tuesday 7 September, the European Parliament adopted the recommendation by Salvatore Iacolino (EPP, Italy) approving the conclusion of a mutual legal assistance agreement in criminal matters between the European Union and Japan. The most important provisions include taking testimonies or statements; enabling hearings to be held by video-conference; obtaining records, documents or bank statements; locating or identifying persons; and the production of the items in the possession of the legislative, administrative or judicial authorities of the state to which a request is made or its local authorities. MEPs also adopted the report by Tadeusz Zwiefka (EPP, Poland) on the implementation and review of a 2000 regulation on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters (Brussels I regulation). In his report, Zwiefka endorsed the idea of abolishing exequatur, though this will have to be offset by an exceptional procedure coupled with appropriate safeguards for judgment debtors. (B.C./transl.rt)