Azerbaijan Escort

10. NATO's maritime surveillance and escort operation, Operation Active Endeavour, demonstrates the Alliance's resolve and ability to respond to terrorism. In March of this year, the operation was extended to the whole of the Mediterranean. Work is underway to further enhance its contribution to the fight against terrorism, including through the contributory support of partner countries, including the Mediterranean Dialogue countries. We welcome the offers of contributory support by Russia and Ukraine and have invited both countries to discuss the modalities of their participation. All such offers of support, including by other interested countries, will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In reviewing Operation Active Endeavour's mission, NATO may consider addressing, in accordance with international law, the risk of terrorist-related trafficking in, or use of, nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, their means of delivery and related materials. ... [Read More]

J) Europe and Central Asia

In early 2001, Malta and the U.S. signed a customs mutual assistance agreement. This agreement allows the exchange of information regarding criminal investigations as well as other intelligence information on customs operations. In addition, in August 2000, the GOM authorized and supported the USG request to board and exercise jurisdiction over the M/V Suerte, a Greek-owned, Maltese flagged vessel. The vessel, which was operating in the Caribbean, was escorted to Houston, Texas, where it was detained for alleged drug smuggling. ... [Read More]

Prisoner Transfer Treaties

U.S. Department of State [Read More]

Department of State Washington File: Fact Sheet: Coalition Contributions to the War on Terrorism

-- The Canadian Naval Forces have been engaged in Maritime Interception Operations, Leadership Interdiction Operations (LIO), escort duties and general maritime surveillance between the North Arabian Gulf and the North Arabian Sea. Seven ships deployed to OEF from October 2001 to April 2002. ...

-- Provided a frigate for escorting coalition shipping through the Straits of Malacca. ... [Read More]

Prisoner Transfer Treaties

The COE Convention is in force in the following countries: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of), Malta, the Netherlands (including Netherlands Antilles and Aruba), Nicaragua, Norway (including Bouvet Island, Peter I's Island and Queen Maud Land), Panama, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom (including Anguilla, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman ... [Read More]

Georgia

Outside of Tbilisi, criminal activity is also a problem, especially in the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia due to the reduced capacity of law enforcement in those areas.  Other regions of concern include:  upper Svanetia, Samtskhe-Javakheti, the Abkahz-Georgian Border (including Zugdidi city), and areas along the Russian-Georgian border.  When visiting or traveling through these regions, American citizens are urged to increase their vigilance, review their personal security precautions, and take appropriate security measures, e.g. traveling with a native Georgian escort familiar with the local area.  ... [Read More]

Billing code: 8320-01

4. Book and culturalallowance. Foreign participants are entitled to a one-timecultural allowance of $150 per person, plus a book allowance of $50.Interpreters should be reimbursed up to $150 for expenses when theyescort participants to cultural events. U.S. program staff is noteligible to receive these benefits. ... [Read More]

Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control and Nonproliferation Agreements and Commitments

IRANIran became a State Party to the BWC in March 1975. Iran’s biological warfare program began during the Iran-Iraq war. Hashemi-Rafsanjani—then Acting Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and Speaker of the Majlis – was reported to have announced during an October 1988 speech: “We should fully equip ourselves both in the offensive and defensive use of chemical, bacteriological, and radiological weapons. From now on, you should make use of the opportunity and perform this task.” The United States believes Iran has endeavored to follow through on Rafsanjani’s direction. Iran has a growing biotechnology industry, significant pharmaceutical experience and the overall infrastructure to support its biological warfare program. Iran has expanded its efforts to seek considerable dual-use biotechnical materia ... [Read More]