The White House, President George W. Bush Click to print this document

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 2, 2003

Aviation Security Fact Sheet

Presidential Action

Today, President Bush and the other G-8 Leaders endorsed a U.S.-driven plan to counter the threat to civil aviation posed by shoulder-launched missiles, or Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS).

The Threat: The unsuccessful missile attack on an Israeli commercial airliner in Mombasa, Kenya, in November 2002 was a stark reminder of the threat posed by terrorists possessing MANPADS. MANPADS are widely available on black or gray markets around the world. Even an unsuccessful attack on a commercial airliner would have a devastating economic and political impact.

G-8 Response: Today, G-8 Leaders agreed to Cooperative Action to Enhance Transport Security and Control of MANPADS and will:

Other U.S. Action: The United States is also addressing MANPADS proliferation with the 33 nations of the Wassenaar Arrangement, which promotes international transparency and responsibility in the transfer of conventional arms, as well as bilaterally with key countries of concern.

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