Brussels, 30/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - A press release on Tuesday 29 March announced that the European Commission and the US had begun negotiations on an agreement on the protection of personal data in the context of fighting terrorism and organised crime. The Americans have appointed their negotiator (EUROPE 10347). EU Commissioner for Fundamental Rights Viviane Reding received a mandate from the Council last December for beginning these discussions. Reding will attempt to reach a comprehensive agreement on the principles of personal data protection, which will act as a reference basis for all existing data exchange programmes, including PNR (Passenger Name Records), SWIFT (inter-banking data) and future agreements. One source explained that this basis was expected to become “solid” and help avoid re-opening discussions on personal data whenever a different case was opened. According to the Commission the two parties are committed to “ensuring a high level of private data protection” and reaching an agreement very soon. (S.P./transl.fl)