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Statement on Presidential Determination Regarding Brazil Air Bridge Denial
(ABD) Program
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For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary October 17, 2008

Statement on Presidential Determination Regarding Brazil Air Bridge Denial
(ABD) Program

ÿÿWhite House News


The President has authorized the Department of State to continue assistance
to Brazil in carrying out an "Air Bridge Denial Program" against civil
aircraft reasonably suspected of trafficking in illicit drugs. In granting
this authorization, the President has determined that interdiction of
illicit drug trafficking aircraft in Brazil's airspace remains necessary
because of the extraordinary threat posed by such trafficking to Brazil's
national security. Further, the President has determined Brazil has
appropriate procedures in place to protect against the innocent loss of
life in connection with such interdiction. The United States Department of
State, with the support of other U.S. agencies, has the ability to continue
to work with the Government of Brazil to ensure effective counternarcotics
operations while observing strict adherence to agreed-upon and
well-established safety procedures.

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