The United States and Lebanon have signed an agreement to deploy U.S. radiation detection equipment at two Lebanese seaports, the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration announced last week (see GSN, Nov. 25, 2008).
The deal enables NNSA personnel to work with Lebanese Customs Administration officials to place the scanning technology and "associated infrastructure" at ports in the cities of Beirut and Tripoli. The United States would maintain the equipment for a limited time period and train Lebanese personnel to scan cargo for potential radiological and nuclear-weapon materials.
The United States also hopes to place radiation scanners at border crossings in Lebanon in cooperation with the European Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Washington could also expand its own sensor deployments to other Lebanese entry points.
“This agreement represents a major step forward in our efforts to prevent global smuggling of radiological and nuclear materials because of Lebanon’s geostrategic position as an east-west transit point for goods and people,” NNSA Deputy Administrator William Tobey said in a statement. “NNSA appreciates Lebanon’s partnership in this critical mission.”
The United States is pursuing nuclear security efforts with various Middle Eastern states through its Second Line of Defense program, which places radiation detection technology at international point of entry (see GSN, Dec. 16, 2008; U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration release, Dec. 30, 2008).