U.N., Interpol join forces

SINGAPORE, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon praised a bilateral agreement for cooperation in post-conflict zones between the United Nations and Interpol.

Ban described the United Nations and Interpol as "natural partners" in bringing security and peace to post-conflict areas as world leaders look to both organizations as a stabilizing force.

The agreement brings more than 60 justice, interior and foreign affairs ministers from around the world together with senior law enforcement officials.

Ronald Noble, the secretary-general of Interpol, said the agreement commits the international police force to efforts of the global community to bring stability and peace to regions recovering from war.

The joint effort increases the role of police in peacekeeping operations as part of a supplement to military operations on the ground.

The agreement sees both organizations working in coordination to restore the rule of law in fragile states, Interpol said.