U.S.-Hosted Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Maritime Interdiction Exercise (Chokepoint '04)

The United States Coast Guard will host a Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) maritime interdiction training exercise, Chokepoint ’04, November 8-18, based in Key West, Florida. This is the thirteenth exercise in support of the Proliferation Security Initiative since President Bush announced the Proliferation Security Initiative in Krakow, Poland on May 31, 2003. It is the first Proliferation Security Initiative exercise to demonstrate new legal authorities created by a recently signed bilateral boarding agreement that sets out rapid consent procedures for boarding partner-flagged vessels.

The purpose of the exercise is to enhance the level of training and interoperability among the agencies of participating countries in carrying out maritime interdictions of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems, and related materials. It is focused on unique operational issues and legal authorities associated with interdictions in maritime chokepoints, such as straits and canals. The exercise also will promote greater awareness of an involvement in the Proliferation Security Initiative throughout the Caribbean region.

More than 20 countries will participate in the exercise. The United States, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom will contribute operational assets to the exercise.

For additional information on the Proliferation Security Initiative, please see http://www.state.gov/t/np/c10390.htm.

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