In response to the Bush Administration’s recent
approval of a multi billion dollar deal to sell management of some of
New Jersey’s ports to Dubai Ports World, a business based out of the
United Arab Emirates (UAE), Assemblywoman Linda Stender today
announced her sponsorship of legislation designed to inhibit the sale
of New Jersey ports without Port Authority approval.
“By handing control of port operations to Dubai Ports World, I fear
we are welcoming our own Trojan Horse into the heart of our
transportation and import/export centers,†said Stender (D-UNION).
“Much like the Trojans marveled at the huge wooden creation left by
the Greeks to secretly gain access to Troy during the Trojan War, the
Bush Administration is blinded by lucrative deals to the danger that
this unprecedented access supplies. We cannot welcome terrorist
supporting nations into our midst under the guise of a business
opportunity.â€
FBI reports show September 11th hijackers had financial ties to the
United Arab Emirates (UAE) and two of the hijackers were UAE
nationals. The UAE was also one of only three nations to recognize
the Taliban as the official ruling government of Afghanistan, and has
long been considered a transfer point for nuclear arms heading to
Iran and North Korea.
Specifically, A-2702 will require the Port Authority of New York and
New Jersey (PANYNJ) to include a provision in all contracts and
agreements with terminal operators requiring the written consent of
the PANYNJ before any party may transfer its rights or obligations to
a non U.S. entity or an entity with a poor record of business
dealings with the Port Authority. Furthermore, the Port Authority
will have the right to terminate any agreement made without their
prior written consent.
The Port Authority may give written consent to transfers only after
it has conducted its own independent security investigation of the
entity’s owners, officers, managers and all employees with security
sensitive responsibilities.
“The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey must have a voice at
the table for financial deals that could potentially jeopardize the
security of our shores,†said Stender (D-UNION). “Our objections must
hold merit in the larger federal regulatory structure, and our
concerns must be met with actual consideration, not as a passing
afterthought. This legislation will provide Port Authority the voice
it so desperately needs.â€
A-2702 will apply to all contracts entered into or renewed by the
Port Authority on or after the bill’s effective date. This bill will
become effective after an identical bill is enacted by the State of
New York.
An Act concerning marine terminals at the Port Authority of New York
and New Jersey and supplementing P.L.1947, c.44 (C. 32:1-35.28 et seq.).
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New
Jersey:
1. When the Port Authority enters into or renews a contract or
agreement concerning the operation of a marine terminal or the
provision of port services, it shall ensure that the contract or
agreement contains a provision requiring the prior written approval
of the Port Authority before any party transfers its rights and
obligations under the contract or agreement to another entity if the
transferee entity is not based in the United States and does not have
a satisfactory record of prior business dealings with the Port
Authority. The provision shall also require that if such a transfer
of rights or obligations occurs without the prior written approval of
the Port Authority, the Port Authority shall have the right to
terminate the contract or agreement.
2. Before giving its written approval of a transfer of rights or
obligations as required by section 2 of P.L. , c. (pending
before the Legislature as this bill), the Port Authority shall
conduct its own independent security investigation of the transferee
entity, its owners, its officers and managers, and any employees
with security-sensitive responsibilities.
3. This act shall take effect upon the enactment into law by the
State of New York of legislation having an identical effect with this
act; but if the State of New York shall already have enacted such
legislation, this act shall take effect immediately. This act shall
apply to contracts and agreements entered into or renewed on or after
the effective date of this act.
Remember folks, this Port deal is bad and hypocritical foreign policy at best, and a threat to national security at worse.
