CaribWorldNews, WASHINGTON, D.C., Fri. April 24, 2009: A bilateral agreement that will allow the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to expand its pre-clearance operations at the Bermuda airport was on Thursday signed by the U.S and the British dependent territory.

The agreement, according to a Bermuda government statement, will enhance homeland security for the United States and increase Bermuda’s attractiveness as a tourist destination and international business center was signed today in Washington, D.C.

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano signed for the United States and Premier Dr. Ewart Brown, who is also Minister of Tourism and Transport, signed for Bermuda.

As part of its expansion, the CBP will check general aviation passengers and aircraft for potential radiological and nuclear threats.  This will ensure that private aircraft are not used to smuggle dangerous weapons into the United States, Secretary Napolitano said THursday.