United States, Spain Sign Megaports Agreement

The United States and Spain signed an agreement yesterday to install radiation detectors at one of Spain’s busiest seaports, the Energy Department announced (see GSN, Nov. 29).

The agreement is part of the U.S. Megaports Initiative, which seeks to stop illicit shipments of nuclear materials. Similar agreements have been signed with the Netherlands, Greece, Sri Lanka and Belgium.

“Successful detection of radioactive materials as they cross a country’s borders is fundamental in stopping a nuclear or dirty bomb attack,” Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham said in a statement.  “The citizens of Spain, along with the United States and other countries, will be better protected against a nuclear terrorist attack with this equipment installed in Spain’s seaports” (U.S. Energy Department release, Dec. 21).

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