IMO secretary general urges early enforcement of security rules

IMO secretary general urges early enforcement of security rules    Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, secretary general of the International Maritime Organization, has urged the organization's member states to implement the IMO maritime security regime adopted in 2002 as early as possible, following the March 11 terrorist attacks in Madrid.
   “The Madrid atrocities should serve as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of all modes of transport to acts of terrorism. Our concern … should be which mode of transport will attract next the interest of the perpetrators of these unlawful acts,” Mitropoulos said.
   While IMO member governments are preparing to enforce on July l the security regime specified in Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, Mitropoulos urged all parties concerned to implement the new measures 'as early as possible.'
   “My argument in doing so is simple. While the July 1 deadline constitutes a pact among governments doing business in a civilized manner under the mutually binding provisions of a treaty instrument, this deadline means nothing to terrorists who may decide to strike wherever and whenever such an act might suit their evil purposes,” Mitropoulos said. “Have no doubt: they will do so when they think our defenses are not high enough to prevent and deter them,” he warned.
   Mitropoulos spoke at the opening of the IMO’s subcommittee on flag state implementation, which is meeting in London through Friday.
   The IMO is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping, and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.