JOSEPH POLISZUK
EL UNIVERSAL

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lamented that the Venezuelan government does not let them conduct their customary inspection in airports and in the aircraft flying to the United States.

Christopher White, spokesman of the TSA Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Office, noted that, unlike most South American countries and the rest of the world, "US inspectors have failed to ascertain properly whether the Venezuelan aeronautic system is vulnerable in terms of terrorism and airport security."

The official, contacted via telephone, did not specify when this situation started, but said it has lingered for a while. "It has prevailed for some years. Assessments are an important part of ensuring the security of the passengers. It is important that we ensure for the security of all passengers that aircraft operating to the US meet certain standards."

White thinks that speaking of any consequences would be speculating. In any case, he clarified, "in the event of any accident, action would be taken against the airlines operating from Venezuela to the United States."

Eighty-eight weekly flights
The Transportation and Security Administration was established by the US Government in the aftermath of September 11th. Since then, TSA coordinates, together with the authorities of foreign countries, operations that empower US officials to check restricted areas in airports, in addition to tracking passengers, luggage and planes with destination to US terminals.

White did not specify the number of countries that cooperate with these actions. However, he insisted on saying that any aircraft bound for the United States should be overseen and checked by TSA, to make the necessary assessment in terms of safety and security of both passengers and the flight.

Every week, 88 planes take off Venezuela for US air terminals and US officials would like to have access to them. TSA has failed to reach an agreement with Venezuelan air authorities. However, spokespersons expect to make it soon.

"We have been working with the Venezuelan government to carry out these assessments which are required by the US law for the aircraft to operate in the United States. The primary issue that we currently face is being allowed to conduct airport security assessment in Venezuela. As a result, we cannot determine whether the system is in compliance with our regulations."

No representative of the Venezuelan National Institute of Civil Aeronautics made on Wednesday any related comment. Inside the organization they recalled, anyway, that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is in charge of world civil aviation and to date none of its officials has doubted about the Venezuelan methods.
jpoliszuk@eluniversal.com

Translated by Conchita Delgado