KOROR (Palau Horizon) — Legislators from Pacific island nations are calling for an “intensified” mutual cooperation to strengthen homeland security against international criminals.
Citing the Sept. 11 terror attacks as well as other international threats such as drug trafficking and money laundering, the members of the Association of Pacific Island legislatures adopted a resolution introduced by Palau Senate Floor Leader Steven Kanai.
“The response of the U.S. government and other national governments around the world indicates that the threats of international crime and terrorism can be effectively fought through improved administration of immigration, customs, finance and public safety matters,” according to the resolution.
Kanai said that “effective resistance to these serious threats requires strong and extensive international cooperation especially among nations closely linked in a specific geographical region.”
APIL members include the American Samoa, the Northern Marianas, Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Yap, Palau, Nauru, the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Guam and Hawaii.
