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

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 21, 2003

Fact Sheet
New APEC Initiatives on Counterterrorism

Presidential Action

Protecting International Aviation: Last November's failed attack against an Israeli commercial airliner in Mombassa, Kenya, reminded the world of the threat posed by shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles (man-portable air defense systems, or MANPADS). Given the potentially devastating impact a MANPADS attack could have on lives and on the transportation and tourism industries, the APEC Leaders committed to:

Leaders agreed to continue to strengthen national controls on MANPADS and review progress at next year's Leaders meeting in Chile.

Enhancing Capacity to Combat Terror: APEC Leaders have taken a number of significant steps recently to combat the terrorist threat, including the capture of the terrorist Hambali in Thailand and the successful prosecution in Indonesia of the Bali bombers. Nevertheless, many countries in the region need help to fight terror. To enhance counterterrorism capacity in the region, APEC Leaders agreed to:

The United States committed to helping launch the initiative with a contribution of $5.4 million in funds and in-kind support. Japan and Australia have also pledged to contribute to this initiative.

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