Brussels, 29/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 28 February, member states agreed that guarantees of freedom of movement through the EU should be granted to persons, like former Dutch Liberal MP of Somali origin Ayaan Hirsi Ali, whose security is threatened as a result of what they have said or written, said Justice, Freedom and Security Commissioner Franco Frattini at the press conference after the Justice and Home Affairs Council. He said that ministers had come out “unanimously” in favour of establishing rules for exchanging information on protected persons and mutual recognition of the protective measures put in place for these persons. Currently, this is only a political line. Although no additional legislation is required to put in place such a protective system at European level, none of the technical detail, e.g. how such a proposal would be funded, have so far been discussed. Hirsi Ali recently visited Brussels to seek payment of the cost of her protection (see EUROPE 9603). At the meeting of home affairs ministers, the Slovenian Presidency reported on what had been done and what results had been achieved with the European Parliament and member states with regard to the “returns” directive. The Presidency believes that talks are nearing an end and could be concluded by May with agreement with the European Parliament on first reading. EU Justice Ministers also approved a proposal for a directive on mediation in civil and commercial matters, which will mean that cross-border disputes can be resolved without having to go to court. The proposal still has to be considered by the European Parliament (see EUROPE 9541). (B.C.)