European Union Criticises JASTA

Brussels, 25 Dzulhijah 1437/27 September 2016 )MINA) – The European Union has criticised the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) passed earlier this month by the US Congress saying it is in conflict with international law.

“We do not believe the approach set out in the JASTA is in the interest of either the EU or the US, and it would be in conflict with fundamental principles of international law and in particular the principle of State sovereign immunity,” an EU spokesperson told the Kuwait news agency, KUNA, here Tuesday.

“We are not trying to prevent victims of terrorism and their families from seeking restitution.

However, there is more than one way to achieve this, and there are other existing mechanisms and precedents for lifting the principle of State immunity in extremis without enacting the JASTA,” added the spokesperson who requested anonymity.

Meanwhile former senior US officials and retired servicemen have sent an open letter to President Barack Obama and members of Congress, saying “JASTA” will undermine the US relationship with Saudi Arabia, harming interests of both countries.

“There is no evidence of Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the events of September 11, which is behind the JASTA,” the letter read. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)