Posted on 02/21/2006 2:43:48 PM PST by new yorker 77
Becomes first Mideast port to participate in U.S. program
The United Arab Emirates has joined the U.S. Container Security Initiative (CSI) to help secure maritime cargo shipments against the threat of terrorism.
In a December 12 news release, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency (CBP) said the agreement will enable all cargo destined for the United States through the port of Dubai to be prescreened.
CBP will station a small team of officers at Dubai ports to identify sea containers destined for the United States; Dubai customs officials will be responsible for screening containers identified as potential terrorist risks, the U.S. agency said.
Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation is the sixth-largest port operator in the world and the first in the Middle East to join the CSI, according to the news release.
To date, governments representing 21 countries around the world have signed up to the CSI program, launched by the United States following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Following is the text of the news release:
(begin text)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Department of Homeland Security
First Middle Eastern Port Formally Commits to Target, Pre-Screen and Secure Cargo Destined for the U.S.
12/12/2004
Dubai, UAE -- Today Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation joined the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Container Security Initiative [CSI] making it the first Middle Eastern port to participate. CBP Commissioner Robert C. Bonner and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, signed a declaration of principles to acknowledge the agreement that will enable all cargo destined for the U.S. through the port of Dubai to be targeted and pre-screened.
"The threat of terrorism is real and, it's a global threat. Dubai Customs recognizes the absolute importance of protecting cargo against the terrorist threat. I applaud their bold action of assuming a leadership role in the Middle East," said Commissioner Bonner.
CBP will deploy a small team of officers to the port of Dubai, the 6th largest port operator in the world whose mission will be to target sea containers destined for the United States. Dubai Customs officials, working with CBP officers, will be responsible for screening any containers identified as a potential terrorist threat.
The primary purpose of CSI is to help protect the global trading system and the trade routes between CSI ports and the United States. By collaborating with foreign customs administrations, CBP is working towards a safer, more secure world trading system.
Under CSI, CBP has entered into bi-lateral partnerships with other governments to identify high-risk cargo containers and to pre-screen them before they are loaded on vessels destined for the United States. Today, governments representing 21 countries have signed up to implement CSI.
"I congratulate the Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation on this historic event. They are now partnering with the United States and are a leader in protecting the global trading system," said Ambassador to the UAE [United Arab Emirates] Michele Sison.
CSI did not exist before 9/ll. It was proposed by Commissioner Bonner and launched in January 2002. CSI has been accepted globally as a bold and revolutionary initiative to secure maritime cargo shipments against the terrorist threat. This initiative will continue to expand to strategic locations around the world.
The World Customs Organization (WCO), the European Union (EU), and the G8 [Group of Eight major industrialized economies] support CSI expansion and have adopted resolutions implementing CSI security measures introduced at ports throughout the world.
The 32 operational ports in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America include: Halifax, Montreal, and Vancouver, Canada; Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Le Havre, France; Bremerhaven and Hamburg, Germany; Antwerp and Zeebrugge, Belgium; Singapore; Yokohama, Tokyo, Nagoya, and Kobe, Japan; Hong Kong; Goteborg, Sweden; Felixstowe, Liverpool, Southampton, Thamesport, and Tilbury, United Kingdom; Genoa, La Spezia, Naples, and Gioia Tauro, Italy; Busan, Korea; Durban, South Africa; Port Klang and Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia; Piraeus, Greece; Algeciras, Spain; and Laem Chabang, Thailand.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the protection of our nation's borders. CBP unified Customs, Immigration, and Agriculture Inspectors and the Border Patrol into one border agency for the United States.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
They're too busy bashing bush. Notice the crowd? They come out out the woodwork on similar issues. Critical thinking is not their strong point.
Can you fill me in on a few details?
It's really quite sad. I remember when I first found FR in 1998, facts mattered. Now, it's cute little quips. This place looks exactly like DU, without the swear words. It's quite disappointing.
I agree completely. Maybe eventually someone will get around to asking them
Oh, I've noticed the crowd.
I'm amazed to find out that the impeachment papers are being drawn up right now and that we'll all be treated to Bush being removed from office, obviously with a lot of these people cheering.
But they've got the emoting part down pat. Kinda reminds me of visiting a Day Care center.......
And as soon as this story dies, another bash bush story will hit the airs. At least they're consistant.
Much appreciated and very interesting.
Quickly turning into a blood bath here on FR.
So sad, so disgusting. Not on the parts of too many of us who have been here for a good length of time, but disgusting nonetheless.
Talking "impeachment" and calling President Bush a traitor.
Facts be damned. Hysteria reigns.
"Dubai customs officials will be responsible for screening containers identified as potential terrorist risks, the U.S. agency said."
Makes me feel warm and fuzzy all over - Thank You trusted Dubai officials!
Tony Snow and his crew have been doing some excellent heavy lifting on this issue in the past two days. I don't know if you have an opportunity to hear his radio show, but I'd highly recommend it.
I've read a LOT of info on this. I just wish I was more able to write better. It's not like it hasn't happened before. And funny, not one of them mentions the fact that there is not ONE US owned company that runs port management, not security! How do they fell about Pakastan or Yeman flying into New York City, yet, they have terminals there. I'll spit if I hear one more time, 'our ports are being sold'.
The 'true' conservatives know better. LOL! And I'm not even a 'bushbot'. The worst thing he did, IMO, is the drug giveaway program. Where do I sign up for a membership card?
Thanks for doing some research and posting this.
All this time, I have been against this move.
I am just trying to determine the history of DPW in its' dealings with International and US ports.
Suddenly, Schumer is looking as ridiculous and reactionary as usual. Not to mention, he finally called it like he really sees it in terms of having a 'terrorist' nation run our ports. Thank you for providing that. I feel a little better about the situation. I should have known that if Schumer is behind anything, it is usually a bad idea.
I'll be honest, it's been hard to tell if this is a non-story or not. I'm almost totally convinced that there is no problem here. I hope I'm correct.
It's my impression that has been SOP all along. Nothing new.
I have never seen such a stampede of cowards and opportunists. I am disgusted. And after Al Gore as much as accused the US of anti-Arab actions, our politicians anad media go out of their way to prove him right! Pfui!
I knew there were significant facts that weren't getting out in the MSM, though.
Anything you can fill me in on would be much appreciated.
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