Switzerland and Germany sign terror accord

BERN, Switzerland— Switzerland and Germany have signed an agreement that will allow the countries' military aircraft to cross borders if there is a threat of an attack by terrorists using civilian planes.

The accord, aimed at preventing an attack similar to the 2001 terrorist strikes in the United States, was signed partly to increase security ahead of Euro 2008, the European soccer championships to be co-hosted by Switzerland and Austria in June 2008. The agreement noted, however, that the cooperation between the countries should be extended beyond the event.

The agreement calls for military aircraft on both sides to monitor or escort suspicious aircraft in neighboring airspace but does not authorize firing at planes while across borders.

The accord still needs government approvals before it is finalized.