Brussels, 30/10/2006 (Agence Europe) - United States Attorney-General Alberto Gonzales hailed the recent agreement between the United States and Eurojust, the EU's judicial and criminal cooperation body: 'Eurojust is an important partner for the US in the fight against cross-border crime and terrorism, especially seen in the light of the agreement we have concluded between Eurojust and the US on judicial cooperation,' on Thursday during an official visit to Eurojust's headquarters in The Hague. Approved by the EU Council of Ministers on 23 October, the agreement aims to facilitate cooperation, coordination and the exchange of information between the US Justice Department and Eurojust and the creation of a new post, a Liaison Prosecutor from the State Department working at Eurojust (see EURO PE 9293). The President of the College of Eurojust, Michael Kennedy, said: 'This agreement will be the basis for formal cooperation from investigators and prosecutors form both sides.' During his visit, Gonzales announced that Mary Ruppert will work as the United States' Liaison Prosecutor at Eurojust. The cooperation agreement will be officially signed on 6 November and come into force once ratified by both parties. (bc)