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)
Amazing, isn't it? Of course, don't expect facts to interfer with the rabid Bush haters around here.
Thanks
Ditto Ms M.
What kind of message does this send to our arab friends and
allies if we are not willing to put our trust in them.
A bunch of broohaha over nothing.
Agreed. I've been spending more time on blogs and other forums than here for that very reason.
Well, for one thing, he has interviewed people who actually work at the ports, and people who are in the industry, and of that group, he has yet to find one who is against this deal. Imagine that, people who know what they are talking about, do not see this as a problem.
Who exactly do you think is going to do that in Dubai? Would you rather they say they WON'T be responsible for shipments from there?
We're talking about IN the country of Dubai.
And a ton of 'freepers'. It just sickens me what this forum is turning into. It started during the shiavo mess. Never have I seen a bunch of vapid posters posting nothing but rhetoric this past year.
That's really good to know. If the people on the inside track don't have a problem with it, it's a good sign.
If you have links, freepmail them, thanks.
Keep "saying that here" -- yes\, it;s looking more and more like a democrat inspired feeding frenzy and some people here live for that!
You ARE aware that the US Homeland Security is in all these ports inspecting containers BEFORE they're shipped aren't you? Or do you just believe all that clap trap the dems put out about containers not being checked?
They LIVE for this. The one thread is like a rogue's gallery and the hate for POTUS is thick and ugly.
Facts be damned, reason does not apply -- it's tear Bush into shreds and talk impeachment. JMJ. Get me back in time to FR of yore, where we could at least have informed fights.
You don't need a card to be one of us --- we're the sane ones who employ facts and reason, just like you do. You're home here! Trust me on that.
This morning on F & F ED Hill said that we were selling the SECURITY of our ports. That's flat out false.
Is Bush the Commander-in-Chief of a country at war that has not suffered a major attack since the war started?
How you answer that question is a gauge of how wrapped up around the axle you will get on this issue.
The other possibility is that the Chinese company that lost out on the bid to buy P&O may be stirring this up through their friends in the democrat party.
I can sum up satan's theory to you: Bush has started drinking again.
Now those were fights worthy of fighting. At least both sides brought facts to the table. This topic if you have facts you're a bushbot, if you emote, you're a true conservative. Gag. They don't even try to bring facts to the discussion. So, what's our choice, believe Hillary or Jimmy. Frankly, in this case, Jimmy will be dead and less dangerous in a couple years. Hillary has the opportunity to do way more damage at this point in time.
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