Press Release (2004)039 16 March 2004

NATO to expand Operation Active Endeavour to the whole Mediterranean Issues NATO and Terrorism Operation Active Endeavour Official Texts The Washington Treaty PDF Library NATO Briefing: Combating terrorism at sea (.PDF/550Kb ) NATO is resolved to help deter, defend, disrupt and protect against terrorism through maritime operations in the Area of Operations (AO) of Operation Active Endeavour (OAE) and to demonstrate Alliance resolve and presence in the campaign against terrorism under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, while underpinning the NATO Military Concept for Defence against Terrorism through specific actions. In this vein, under OAE, which was launched on 18 October 2001, the Task Force ENDEAVOUR continues to conduct surveillance and monitoring operations of the major shipping lanes in the Eastern Mediterranean. More than 41,000 vessels have been hailed since the beginning of the operation, and 47 compliant boardings have taken place in the Eastern Mediterranean. Additionally, more than 414 allied non-combatant ships have been escorted successfully through the Strait of Gibraltar. It has become clear that this successful operation will continue to play its role in NATO’s fight against terrorism. Against this background, the Council agreed to expand the Area of Operations of OAE to the whole Mediterranean and to enlist the support of EAPC/PfP Partners, MD countries and other selected nations, including through their active participation. The Council stressed the importance of cooperation with Partners in the context of NATO's contribution in the international fight against terrorism.

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