Post-Vaccine Treatment Funding Uncertain Again

By David Ruppe
Global Security Newswire

WASHINGTON — Funding for U.S. military clinics that investigate and treat illnesses following vaccinations for anthrax, smallpox and other diseases is in doubt for next fiscal year, once again placing their continued operation in jeopardy (see GSN, Jan. 10).

The Bush administration for fiscal 2007 did not request any funding for the Vaccine Healthcare Centers, which are estimated to cost $6 million annually to operate.

The Senate Appropriations Committee last week approved $2 million for the centers, which would be provided in addition to anything the military services might contribute from their health budgets, according to the committee’s report for its fiscal 2007 defense appropriations bill. No such funding was included in the House version of the bill approved June 20.

The centers are headquartered at the Army’s Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and also located at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Va., the Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg, N.C., and the Air Force’s Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Congress created the first center at Walter Reed in 2000, as a site for specialized assessment, treatment and study of military and civilian personnel reportedly sickened by then-mandatory anthrax vaccinations. The other three sites opened in 2004.

Since their creation, the Army has reluctantly paid for the Navy and Air Force centers, with the Army Medical Command shifting money from its budget to keep all the sites going. Congress authorized $3 million for the centers for this fiscal year.

In apparent anticipation of the Iraq invasion, the Bush administration in 2002 began mandatory anthrax vaccinations for more than 1 million U.S. military personnel. Mandatory inoculations stopped after a federal judge ruled in October 2004 that they could not be required because the Food and Drug Administration did not properly approve the vaccine for the intended use.

The Food and Drug Administration reapproved the vaccine in December 2005, declaring it “safe and effective.” The military has not yet, though, said it would resume mandatory anthrax vaccinations. It is allowed to administer the vaccine on a strictly voluntary basis.

From fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004, the centers treated approximately 1,200 recipients of the anthrax and other vaccines presenting a range of side effects, from muscle pain and chronic fatigue to multiple sclerosis, according to figures provided to Global Security Newswire by the Army (see GSN, May 6, 2005).

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U.S. Cities Unprepared for Disaster, Survey Shows

Even in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina, U.S. cities remain unprepared to manage the response to a large-scale disaster, according to a survey released today by the U.S. Conference of Mayors (see GSN, June 22).

The survey of 183 cities in 38 states revealed that first responders in eight of 10 cities lack funding for equipment that would allow them to communicate with other emergency agencies or nearby communities. Four in 10 cities surveyed have yet to create or revise evacuation plans following the deadly 2005 hurricane season and three-quarters are unprepared for a potential flu outbreak.

“Does the public want to hear this? I don’t think so,” said Dearborn, Mich. Mayor Michael Guido of the results in “The State of America’s Readiness” report.

Guido said cities need additional federal funding, but also conduct their own preparedness efforts — developing mutual-aid pacts with nearby jurisdictions, preparing for equipment sharing during crises, and commissioning businesses in advance to conduct debris removal and other work.

Officials in surveyed cities expressed limited confidence in the ability of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide rapid support following a disaster. The agency received an average response of 5.2 on a scale of 10.

The Homeland Security Department has distributed more than $18 million to states and localities since 2003, with $2 billion set aside for communications upgrades.

“We’re not where we need to be nationally” to be prepared for natural or terrorist disasters, said Homeland Security Undersecretary George Foresman. He added that most cities have purchased equipment but still need to focus on training and preparedness exercises.

Mayor Christian Bollwage of Elizabeth, N.J., said cities “have been left to do it on their own, (and) the property taxpayers of this country do not have the resources to fund national security” (Mimi Hall, USA Today, July 26).

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India Drafts Procedures for WMD Terrorism

Indian leaders have developed a strategy to combat potential terrorist attacks involving biological, chemical, nuclear or radiological weapons, the Press Trust of India reported yesterday (see GSN, May 9).

The procedures include programs for identification and yearly reviews of potential targets, creation and training of specialized response teams, and training for fire and police personnel, according to a statement from Federal Minister of State for Home Affairs Sri Prakash Jaiswal.

The procedures have been distributed to the various local and national government agencies. Each department is expected to draft an individual plan and prepare preparedness measures, PTI reported. Four out of eight battalions of the National Disaster Response Force have been set aside for responding to radiological, nuclear, biological or chemical attacks (Press Trust of India/Red Orbit, July 25).

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U.S. Senate Adds North Korea to WMD Act

The U.S. Senate voted yesterday to add North Korea to a law that gives the president authority to sanction non-U.S. entities that transfer WMD or missile technology to or from Iran and Syria, the Associated Press reported (see GSN, July 12).

“North Korea’s recent missile launches illustrate the threat this regime poses to the American people, the people of the region, and peace and stability in East Asia,” said Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.).

The House of Representatives is also considering a measure that would add Pyongyang to the Iran and Syria Nonproliferation Act.

Individuals or firms that violate the law could be barred from obtaining U.S. government contracts or export licenses (Associated Press/Yahoo!News, July 26).

Meanwhile, South Korea last week warned domestic companies not to ship weapons-related technologies to North Korea following a U.N. resolution condemning Pyongyang’s missile launches earlier this month, Agence France-Presse reported.

“An e-mail message was sent to nearly all trading firms last week, asking them not to violate the U.N. resolution,” an official at the Commerce, Industry and Energy Ministry told AFP.

“International pressure is mounting to restrict exports of strategic items to North Korea,” the official said (Agence France-Presse, July 26).

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Singapore Hosts Counterproliferation Meeting

An Operational Experts Group of the U.S.-led Proliferation Security Initiative is meeting this week in Singapore, Channel NewsAsia reported yesterday (see GSN, July 7).

More than 200 experts from 20 participating countries are gathering for a regular meeting to discuss strategies for countering WMD proliferation (Channel NewsAsia, July 25).

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Pentagon Certifies Four More WMD Civil Support Units

National Guard Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams have been certified for Connecticut, North Carolina, Oregon and Rhode Island, the U.S. Defense Department announced yesterday (see GSN, Feb. 9).

The four teams are fully trained to assist civil authorities in the event of a domestic WMD incident, the Pentagon announced in a press statement.

Congress has authorized creation of 55 teams — one for every state, territory and the District of Columbia. Eight of the 12 teams authorized for fiscal 2004 and all 32 of the teams authorized in fiscal years 1999-2001 have been certified. 

The final 11 teams, authorized in fiscal 2005, are expected be certified by March 2007, according to the Defense Department (U.S. Defense Department release, July 25).

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Iran Amendment to U.S.-Indian Deal Blocked in House

By Jon Fox
Global Security Newswire

WASHINGTON — A House of Representatives committee yesterday blocked a proposed amendment to legislation to approve the pending U.S.-Indian nuclear agreement that would have required New Delhi’s support in preventing Iran from acquiring weapons of mass destruction (see GSN, July 25).

After one hour of debate on the House floor, lawmakers are expected to vote today on a deal that would allow India to receive U.S. civilian nuclear material in exchange for opening two-thirds of its nuclear reactors to international inspections.

Prior to the vote lawmakers are also scheduled to discuss six amendments that would strengthen the deal critics have called a blow to the world’s nuclear nonproliferation regime.

Those who support the agreement say opening even a portion of India’s nuclear facilities to inspections is a valid step forward on nonproliferation.

In a party-line vote, Republicans in the House Rules Committee yesterday blocked a Democratic request to tack an addition drafted by Representatives Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Fred Upton (R-Mich.) to the list of amendments to be debated.

Markey and Upton — who do not sit on the committee — proposed opening nuclear cooperation with India only after New Delhi pledged its “full and active” support in preventing Iran from developing weapons of mass destruction. Iran, which provides significant amounts of natural gas to India, is widely believed to be pursuing a nuclear bomb.

“We need India to fully support us in our efforts to isolate and sanction Iran if necessary,” Markey said while presenting the amendment to the committee. “This would be one thing we would have to extract from India given the ever increasing dependence that India is going to have on Iranian natural gas.”

Language similar to the proposed amendment exists in the pending bill but is nonbinding. The change would have made India’s cooperation regarding Iran a requirement.

“I think this makes it a stronger bill,” Upton said. “Why not insist that India be on our side if we take on Iran?”

The proposal received support from committee Democrats and Representative Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.) in discussions before the vote. When the committee returned after a recess yesterday, however, it voted down a request to list the amendment for today’s debate.

While acknowledging that staunching Iran’s nuclear ambitions is a priority, committee Chairman David Dreier (R-Calif.) argued strongly against adding the amendment.

“I don’t think in any way this measure should be held up,” he said. “I’m going to urge a no vote.”

Representative James McGovern (D-Mass.) argued that the proposal was “not a deal breaker by any means.” However, all nine Republicans on the 13-member committee, including Gingrey, voted against the addition.

The committee approved six of nine proposed amendments for debate, some of which address concerns expressed by critics of the pact.

Opponents of the pending agreement — first announced by U.S. President George W. Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in July 2005 — have argued that the secured nuclear fuel supply guaranteed India would allow New Delhi to divert its limited domestic uranium supply entirely to weapon production (see GSN, June 21). They contend India could increase production to more than 40 bombs a year.

A concern voiced by Markey and others is that the deal could fuel an Asian nuclear arms race. Markey pointed to news of a Pakistani reactor under construction. Once completed, the reactor would have the capacity to produce as much as 200 kilograms of weapon-grade plutonium a year (see GSN, July 25).

India, which is not a signatory of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, began its nuclear weapons program decades ago and first tested a nuclear device in 1974. A later series of tests in 1998 prompted Pakistan, India’s regional foe, to tests its own nuclear weapons in response. Pakistan also remains outside the treaty.

An amendment proposed by Representative Howard Berman (D-Calif.) and listed for debate would restrict exports of uranium and other reactor fuel to India until the president has determined India has halted the production of fissile material for use in weapons.

House lawmakers initially included a fissile material cutoff element in the pending legislation, but it did not emerge from the International Relations Committee, Berman said.

Another amendment drafted by Representative Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) would require the president to certify each year that the amount of domestic uranium sent through India’s weapons program has not increased.

The Rules Committee threw out a farther-reaching amendment calling for India to enter into a binding obligation to not assist any non-nuclear-weapon states in developing nuclear programs and to take steps toward eventual complete disarmament.

In India, some lawmakers have continued to express concerns that the deal could adversely affect the nation’s nuclear program.

Addressing the Indian Parliament, Mohan Rawale of the right-wing Shiv Shena party demanded the details of the agreement be made public, according to the Associated Press. “Will it compromise the Indian program?” he asked today.

If the deal moves forward, India has indicated it would open 14 civilian reactors to safeguards while eight military reactors would remain closed to inspections. 

Members of parliament also expressed concerns over the proposed amendments that could tack additional requirements on to the agreement.

Prime Minister Singh said the final deal would remain consistent with the July 2005 joint statement first announcing the cooperation bargain. “There are no fresh obligations.  No new conditions will be accepted by India,” said Anand Sharma, a junior external affairs minister, AP reported.

While the House is expected to pass legislation enabling the nuclear agreement today, the Senate is not expected to take up the issue until it returns from recess this fall.

Clearing both the House and Senate are first steps to enacting the agreement. 

In addition, India must hash out an inspections agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the 45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group must alter its rules. Current NSG guidelines bar members from selling nuclear equipment and fuel to nations that do not open all their facilities to international safeguards, must also be persuaded to change its regulations to permit sales to India.

The current House bill would require Congress to take the issue up once more after India satisfies these conditions.

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U.N. Powers Move Toward Iran Resolution

World powers yesterday came closer to a deal on a U.N. Security Council resolution that would threaten Iran with sanctions if it does not curb its nuclear work within about a month, the Associated Press reported (see GSN, July 25).

“We are close to an agreement,” said French Ambassador to the United Nations Jean-Marc de la Sabliere, the council president. “We are making progress.”

Delegates from the five permanent council members and Germany met for two negotiating sessions yesterday and are expected to reconvene today, according to AP.

Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin said the powers were “much closer” to agreeing on a text. Moscow late last week appeared to oppose the draft resolution, AP reported (see GSN, July 24).

“I just want to keep my fingers crossed, but I think we have been making good progress,” Churkin said.

A draft resolution proposed by Western powers would make mandatory council and the International Atomic Energy Agency demands that Iran freeze uranium enrichment. Noncompliance would result in action under Article 41 of Chapter 7 in the U.N. Charter, which provides for economic and diplomatic sanctions.

De la Sabliere said the text of the resolution requires “the suspension of all related enrichment activities including research and development.” 

“After a period of time, around one month ... if Iran doesn’t comply with the resolution ... then measures will be taken under Article 41 of Chapter 7,” he said.

U.S. Ambassador John Bolton expressed greater optimism after the conclusion of the second negotiating session yesterday.

“The words that are in there now, to our satisfaction, make clear that Iran is bound mandatorily to suspend its uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities,” Bolton said. “I think we’re at a very propitious moment, and we’ll know for sure tomorrow” (Edith Lederer, Associated Press/Yahoo!News, July 26).

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in a telephone conversation yesterday discussed the nuclear standoff and other issues, Agence France-Presse reported.

“The crisis in Lebanon was at the center of the talks,” the Kremlin press service said. “Various aspects of resolving the Iranian nuclear problem were also discussed” (Agence France-Presse/Yahoo!News, July 26).

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China Expresses Hope for North Korea Nuclear Talks on Sidelines of ASEAN Meeting

A Chinese official said the six nations involved in the stalled talks on North Korea’s nuclear weapons program were tentatively scheduled to meet Friday on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting in Malaysia, Agence France-Presse reported (see GSN, July 24).

“The time currently being planned is the afternoon of the 28th, but it is still under negotiation,” Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Dawei said late Monday.

China and South Korea have rejected a U.S. proposal to push forward with talks even if North Korea refuses to attend, according to AFP.

“We think six-party talks are more important,” Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said yesterday after meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Ban Ki-moon.

Ban added that he was “not optimistic” about five-nation talks.

“I understand the Chinese government has reluctance to do so because it could be seen [as] isolating and pressuring North Korea,” he said. “We respect the Chinese government’s position.”

However, the top U.S. envoy to the talks, Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, said the five countries should meet “to talk about the way ahead.”

“We don’t want to have North Korea determining whether the rest of us meet and talk about this,” he said yesterday.

Hill said a meeting between North Korean and U.S. officials remained unlikely if Pyongyang refused to discuss resumption of multilateral talks (Agence France-Presse/TurkishPress.com, July 26).

“We are skeptical about having bilaterals with countries that are not participating (in the six-party talks),” he said.

North Korean Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun is expected to attend the ASEAN meeting, the Associated Press reported today.

“The question is whether he will come to a six-party meeting. We just don’t know,” Hill said (Associated Press/Irish Examiner, July 26).

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More Chemical Weapons Found in China

Japanese experts arrived in China yesterday to secure nearly 700 abandoned chemical weapons, according to the Xinhua News Agency (see GSN, July 11).

The team of 15 experts in China’s Heilongjiang Province plans to catalog and seal the 677 munitions before moving them to a temporary storage location. The weapons — some of which have fuses — ultimately will be destroyed, a Japanese official said.

Workers found the weapons in downtown Suihua City between June 27 and July 2 as they prepared to construct a shopping mall.

Chinese and Japanese experts recovered 37,499 abandoned World War II chemical weapons from February 1995 to April of this year, Xinhua reported. Officials do not know how many weapons have yet to be found.

China set up seven for weapons storage. Three are located in Heilongjiang (Xinhua News Agency/People’s Daily, July 26).

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U.S. Team Finishes Survey of Potential Czech Republic Missile Defense Interceptor Sites

A 22-person team of U.S. military experts yesterday finished their survey of three sites in the Czech Republic that could house U.S. missile interceptors, the Xinhua News Agency reported (see GSN, July 13).

The experts confirmed that the three military locations were appropriate for such sites, Czech Defense Ministry spokesman Jan Pejsek said in a statement.

Several European nations have reportedly been considered as the site for the first U.S. strategic missile defense site outside U.S. territory.

The base would be intended to defend Europe against long-range missiles, particularly from launches from the Middle East, analysts say (Xinhua News Agency I/People’s Daily, July 26).

Polish President Lech Kaczynski, whose country is also believed to be under consideration, yesterday expressed reservations about the plan.

“I would not like to decide unambiguously here, at this moment. I approach the issue of extra-territoriality with reserve, I do not hide that. … We will see how the issue develops,” Kaczynski said, according to the Polish news agency PAP. “The missile defense shield is a problem that is to be the subject of deliberation by the National Security Council. It will be the subject of talks between the president, prime minister and government.”

The Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita, reported that Washington has offered several conditions for locating the base in Poland. The United States wants sole authority to decide when to fire the interceptors. Polish authorities would have no authority to inspect equipment at the site. U.S. personnel would be subject only to U.S. laws and courts even for crimes committed outside the base, the newspaper reported.

The terms of construction “are negotiable with the Americans,” said senior National Defense Ministry official Janusz Onyszkiewicz. 

“Polish law must be in force on our territory, which can only be limited in situations where the interests of Poland or Poles are under threat. In this case, Polish jurisdiction must be maintained,” Onyszkiewicz said (PAP/BBC Monitoring, July 25).

U.S. missile defense surveyors do not plan to visit Hungary as they look for interceptor sites, Xinhua reported today. Foreign Ministry spokesman Viktor Polgar said that U.S. experts are not expected to visit in August (Xinhua News Agency II /People’s Daily, July 26).

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U.K. Men Cleared of Seeking ‘Red Mercury’

A British jury yesterday acquitted three men of conspiring to purchase radiological material for a “dirty bomb,” the London Guardian reported (see GSN, Jan. 24, 2005).

Banker Dominic Martins, 45, businessman Abdurahman Kanyare, 53, and security guard Roque Fernandes, 44, were arrested following a sting operation led by the News of the World tabloid and London Metropolitan Police. The newspaper in 2004 claimed they tried to buy a kilogram of “red mercury.”

News of the World said red mercury was “a deadly substance developed by Cold War Russian scientists for making briefcase nuclear bombs.” Its actual existence remains in question; Soviet intelligence used the term to conduct Cold War-era sting operations, the Guardian reported.

The men were acquitted of plotting to possess an article for terrorist purposes and conspiring to fund terrorism.

“This is a great tribute to the jury system and English justice and a dark day for the News of the World,” defense attorneys said in a statement.

The publication defended itself in a statement: “The News of the World involvement in this investigation and subsequent trial was conducted under the direction of senior antiterrorist police officers. We are entirely satisfied that the methods used in the investigation were not only wholly proper, but were both authorized and, from an early stage, continued in close liaison with the police.”

The police investigation began following a tip from the newspaper, according to Scotland Yard.

“The fact that the defendants have been acquitted does not mean the case was not properly brought to court,” a spokeswoman said. “The Crown Prosecution Service considered the evidence and decided there was a case to answer, and that decision was later confirmed by the trial judge” (Jeevan Vasagar, The Guardian, July 26).

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