Origin and Purpose

The Treaty on Open Skies entered into force on January 1, 2002, and currently has 34 States Parties. The Treaty establishes a regime of unarmed aerial observation flights over the entire territory of its participants. The Treaty is designed to enhance mutual understanding and confidence by giving all participants, regardless of size, a direct role in gathering information about military forces and activities of concern to them. Open Skies is one of the most wide-ranging international efforts to date to promote openness and transparency of military forces and activities.

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In response to questions by the media, following is the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs response to Amnesty International’s report on use of weapons in Operation Cast Lead:

Initial study of the report indicates that it presents a biased version of the events, and does not adhere to professional criteria and objectivity. A detailed response will be given at a later stage, but at this time, it is possible to state that:

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The US Congress has approved US $ 787 billion stimulus package designed to revive the battered American economy through tax cuts and creation of employment. There is another important rider : “Buy American” .

The public works projects receiving money from the federal stimulus package have to use U.S. made iron, steel and manufactured goods. This is a laudable clause.

Will it create trade barriers?

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