UK outlines plans to counter WMD trafficking
PLA Daily 2004-02-26
LONDON, Feb. 25 (Xinhuanet) -- Britain has been stepping up its efforts in countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) to prevent them from falling into the hands of terrorists.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said on Wednesday in a written statement that Britain is working with the International Maritime Organization to make it an internationally recognized offense to transport WMD, their delivery systems and related materials on commercial vessels.
It is already an offense under the international convention to transport WMD on civil aircraft.
Britain is also planning to negotiate agreements with the main commercial flag states to gain permission for boarding vessels which may be carrying cargoes used for WMD programs.
Straw said Britain wanted to sign agreements with the world's 10 largest commercial flags covering some 70 percent of global maritime trade.
"So with a relatively small number of such agreements, a large proportion of the world's shipping would be covered. The options available to the proliferation and rogue supplier would be reduced," he said.
Besides, Britain will consider whether new penalties should be introduced to deter air or shipping lines from seeking to transport such cargoes.
"Might the vessels and planes of any companies found to have engaged in such transport be denied landing or port rights around the world? Should we consider an international register of companies and individuals convicted of proliferation offenses?" asked Straw.
He added that within the European Union, Britain see a case for tightening regulations and practices and improve the exchange of information to stop the trafficking of WMD.
He said Britain had already begun the screening of traffic for the illicit movement of radioactive material which would eventually cover all air, sea and traffic through the channel tunnel.
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