The dangerous devices have become popular weapons for terror networks
Senior Apec officials have backed a US proposal that member states ban sales and shipment of manned portable air defence systems, or portable rocket launchers.
Such devices were used by al-Qaeda terrorists in an attack on an Israeli passenger jet in Kenya last year and have become popular weapons used by the terrorist network.
'The US side points to the danger of such devices and wants measures taken to suppress their shipment and sale,' said Sihasek Puangketkeaw, a director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, which is hosting this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum meeting this week.
'The attack hurt tourism and the economy of Kenya dramatically,' he said.
Stopping the sale of rocket launchers is a key element of the Counter Terrorism Action Plan, which was passed by senior officers at the Apec forum yesterday.
Major components of the plan also include the experimental launch of the US-proposed Container Security Initiative next week in Bangkok.
