The International Sanctions Act 2003 was passed in the Senate yesterday.

The bill allows Bermuda to enact non-United Nations economic and other types of sanctions.

UN sanctions are applied to Bermuda once the United Kingdom formally extends them to the Island, but there is no mechanism to extend to Bermuda sanctions imposed by other bodies such as the European Union.

The International Sanctions Bill will empower the Legislative Affairs Minister to make regulations to give effect to any international obligation of the United Kingdom relating to international sanctions imposed on any country, organisation, person or group of people.

Sen. Michael Scott said the Minister would also be allowed to make regulations which allow for the apprehension, trial and contravention of people who contravene the regulations.

The bill was passed without any opposition.