Brussels, 24/05/2005 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday the US Secretary of the Interior Michael Chertoff speaking in Brussels where he met the European authorities during his first visit abroad since starting his job three months ago explained that the USA wanted to develop a “security package” with strengthened measures for screening passengers and cargo. Addressing a group of journalists he stated, “we are doing a lot of work with European authorities as well as private sector in Europe to develop a security envelope through which travel and trade could pass”. Although he rejects the idea of a “fortress” against the rest of the world, Chertoff explained wheat he thought about the setting up of a series of security packages, with each of them focusing on security at points of entry. With this aim, Chertoff is seeking the reinforcement of screening airline passengers. The US wants data earlier, before the departure of the plane to the USA. Currently this information is not sent out until 15 after the plane leaves, which means the plane may have to turn back if the US authorities find a suspect on the list, underlined Mr Chertoff. The USA wants wider used of biometrical data in passports, with common standards. Chertoff was open about the possibility of extending till 26 October visa exemptions for citizens from 10 Member States benefiting from this system, even in the absence of biometrical passports requested by Washington. He declared that the US authorities were working with Congress and their European counterparts to get a solution. He refused to say where he would be proposing a new law at Congress. Mr Chertoff met High Representative Javier Solana and anti-terrorist coordinator Gijs de Vries, before discussing with Commissioner Frattini and president of the JHA Council Luc Freiden.