ETD technology ready to be shipped to Malta - US Ambassador

During a press conference, Minister of Justice Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici and U.S. Ambassador Douglas Kmiec signed a memorandum of understanding which provides the framework for increased cooperation to enhance aviation security.

“On behalf of President Obama and the United States I am proud to sign this MOU today because it will help secure one of our most cherished rights – the freedom of movement,” Kmiec said. “A freedom that is indispensable to tourism and commerce.”

With the signing of the memorandum, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Malta Office of Airport Security pledged to work together in a program of aviation security enhancements and to support and cooperate in developing capacities and expertise in civil aviation security.

Describing today’s signing as “a win for the defenders of civil order and a loss for the agents of terror”, the U.S. Ambassador reverted to St Augustine and the ‘tranquility of order’.

“Long ago [he] taught us that the first duty of government is to ensure the safety of its citizens – what Augustine called the tranquility of order,” Kmiec said.

Thanking the Ambassador for his support, Mifsud Bonnici said this was not the first time the US Government was assisting Malta in security.

“Through the years the two countries have co-operated in areas such as customs screening, the visa waiver programme and illegal immigration,” he said.

“This MOU effectively cements the fruitful relationship that exists between the MIA and the TSA,” Mifsud Bonnici said, adding that the company had also provided training opportunities to the airport personnel.

The U.S. has also provided Malta with two explosives trace detection units, used at security checkpoints to screen carry-on baggage and passengers for traces of explosives.

A spokeswoman from the TSA said officers may swab a piece of luggage or passenger hand and the use ETD technology to test for explosives. The swab is placed inside the ETD unit which analyzes the content for the presence of potential explosive residue.

“The U.S. is fully funding the equipment, the shipping and initial swabs of 20,000 per unit,” the spokeswoman said.

“The equipment is state-of-the-art,” Mifsud Bonnici said. “It not only offers flexibility to security guards since it is portable, but it’s also cutting edge in aviation standards.”

Even though passengers abroad have experienced screening of their hands using an ETD swab at airports, the MIA will limit its use to luggage and cargo.

The Minister of Justice explained that the equipment will only be used when there is reasonable suspicion of explosives material being carried or if the person is suspected to have been in touch with explosive material.

Since several Maltese come into contact with explosive materials through the fireworks factories, the head of the Airport Security said the procedure would first be to carry out the testing then verify if there is place for further investigation or not.