Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on the Fifth Anniversary of the Proliferation Security Initiative
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
This month marks the fifth anniversary of the Proliferation Security Initiative, an international partnership launched in May 2003 by President Bush to stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
This important initiative has grown to include more than 90 nations in the fight against the flow of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, their delivery systems, and related material across our collective borders.
The department has played a leadership role in the success of this initiative, including participating in operational planning, live and tabletop exercises, industry conferences, and outreach events. Through our Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. Coast Guard, we continue to enhance the world’s ability to identify, detain and seize weapons of mass destruction, as well as take effective actions against illegal proliferation networks.
We are making progress in countering the threat of terrorism and value our strong partnerships with international, federal, state, local and tribal officials in our efforts to secure the homeland.
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