Brussels, 27/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - European justice and home affairs ministers adopted, on Thursday 26 February, a draft framework decision fostering application of the principle of mutual recognition in respect of decisions rendered in absentia. The proposal aims to establish common rules for the recognition and implementation of court rulings in a member state other than that where the person concerned by the ruling resides (see EUROPE 9648 - trials in absentia). The Council also adopted a framework decision on the exchange of information extracted from criminal records (EUROPE 9446), as well as a decision approving the signing of the convention on the choice-of-court agreement. The Council then gave its authorisation for the signature, on behalf of the European Community, of the Council of Europe Convention on laundering, search, seizure and confiscation of the proceeds from crime and on the financing of terrorism. Still another decision was adopted aimed at adding India to the list of countries with which the director of Europol is authorised to start negotiations on cooperation agreements. Finally, the Court took on board conclusions which reiterate its respect for the legislative activities of the Council of Europe in the area of criminal justice. The Council reaffirms its intention to continue close cooperation between the European Union and the Council of Europe in this area. It calls upon member states to sign, ratify and implement the Conventions of the Council of Europe in the area of international cooperation in criminal matters and on approximation of criminal legislation. (B.C./transl.jl)