Many governments in the region have joined antiterrorist coalitions or signed antiterrorist pacts. Ukraine's government started "antiterrorist operation" (ATO) sending armed forces to suppress separatists. Outside international conventions the Greek name for the unit is "Special Suppressive Antiterrorist Unit". The MTAC is an outgrowth of the Navy Antiterrorist Alert Center (ATAC). This aims to improve foreign governments' antiterrorist capabilities to better protect U.S. citizens and interests. They maintain key guard posts and participate in antiterrorist operations. On August 26, the Francoist State promulgated an "Antiterrorist Law" with a retrospective action.