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Section 1203 of Title 18 is intended to implement the International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages. See International Legal Materials, Vol. XVIII, No. 6, November 1979, at 1456-1463. 18 U.S.C. § 1203 became effective on January 6, 1985, when the United States became a party to the Convention after having deposited its instrument of ratification of the Convention with the United Nations on December 7, 1984.
[cited in JM 9-60.700]