U.S., Pacific Rim countries reach agreement on anti-terror measures.

Publication: Knight Ridder Washington Bureau (Washington) (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News)

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COPYRIGHT 2004 Knight Ridder Washington Bureau

Byline: Kevin G. Hall

Nov. 19--SANTIAGO, Chile -- Foreign and trade ministers from the United States and other Pacific Rim countries agreed Thursday on anti-terrorism measures to make air travel and cargo shipping safer.

The measures include testing a new automated alert system that warns of potential terrorists traveling on airlines. In addition, member countries will start issuing travel documents that are harder to falsify in 2008.

Ministers gathered for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Chile also announced that they had established guidelines for the control of Man Portable Air Defense Systems, shoulder-fired anti-aircraft weapons that security officials fear could be used against civilian aircraft someday.

The...

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