For Immediate Release
August 3, 2004

Proliferation Security Initiative Makes the World Safer

The development and distribution of weapons of mass destruction - particularly by rogue regimes and terrorist organizations - is one of the largest threats to peace and security in the world today. As a result, the United States launched the Proliferation Security Initiative, or PSI. Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States are committed to stopping the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. They have endorsed a set of principles on interdicting WMD shipments, and have pledged to stop the illicit trade of these weapons. Many other countries, such as Panama, have endorsed principles that have established procedures to search vessels suspected of carrying WMDs. PSI, endorsed by 11 countries and supported by many more, is an example of new ways America and our allies are working together to make the world safer.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of State. For more information, please visit: http://www.state.gov/t/np/rls/other/34726.htm