Sending suspicious nuclear material through the port of Limassol Cyprus has just become more difficult. The U.S. and Cyprus have expanded their joint efforts to combat proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by undertaking a new initiative aimed at detecting nuclear and radioactive material.

As part of a successful and ongoing cooperation to battle the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the United States' Department of Energy Second Line of Defense Program, through the American Embassy Nicosia’s Export Control and Border Security Program, has replaced an old, single channel portal monitor with a new dual channel monitor at Limassol Seaport in Cyprus.

A joint ceremony was held at the port on December 12 to highlight the installation and operation of the radiation detection equipment provided by the U.S. Government. The ceremony recognized the ongoing cooperation between the United States and Cyprus to prevent the trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials.

The ceremony was held at Limassol Port in the presence of Ambassador Ronald L. Schlicher, Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary Christos Patsalides and Customs Director Zeta Emilianidou. A brief demonstration of the capabilities of the pillars was also provided by members of the Customs Service.