Brussels, 06/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - On 3 December, European ministers for justice reached a general orientation on a draft regulation guaranteeing defendants the right to information in criminal proceedings. The Presidency will now have to begin negotiations with the European Parliament. This legislation will enable those suspected of committing a criminal offence to be informed about their rights in a language they understand and oblige member states to provide defendants with a Letter of Rights, listing their fundamental rights in criminal proceedings. “Today's agreement by EU justice ministers on the Letter of Rights is another step that will help ensure that suspects can enjoy their right to a fair trial in criminal proceedings across all EU countries”, said Viviane Reding, the EU's justice commissioner. She also said that she was confident that the European Parliament would now move swiftly to vote on this important measure. This proposal has just been added to legislation on the right to translations and interpreting, recently adopted by member states. The Council also confirmed the agreement reached on a directive on the trafficking in human beings and a general orientation for a directive on the exploitation and sexual abuse of children and child pornography. (B.C./transl.fl)