Global General

Spain wants EU position on scanners

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-01-14 22:26
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MADRID: Spain's prime minister says his government will wait for a common EU position before deciding whether to install full-body scanners to boost airport security.

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Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero says Spain needs assurances that the devices will not violate travelers' right to privacy.

Zapatero spoke Thursday in Vienna, and seemed to distance himself from comments a day earlier by his infrastructure minister, who said installation of scanners was "inevitable" in Spain.

Zapatero said a common EU posture will make things easier for the bloc's governments and citizens.

Spain currently holds the EU presidency. EU interior and justice ministers are scheduled to meet next week with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to discuss how to make air travelers safer from terrorism.