Interpol approves new measures

MARRAKESH, Morocco, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Interpol's General Assembly announced the approval of new measures aimed at helping combat transnational crime and terrorism at a conference in Morocco.

During the four-day conference in Marrakesh, the Interpol General Assembly delegates announced the new measures, which include the use of public appeals for assistance in child sex abuse investigations and a resolution for each of Interpol's bureaus to create an international fugitive investigations contact point.

"Finding and arresting wanted criminals is the bread and butter of police work around the world, which is why it is so important that our National Central Bureaus create a dedicated network of specialists to work together on fugitive investigations," Interpol President Jackie Selebi said in a statement.

The General Assembly also approved the creation of a new sub-regional bureau in Yaounde, Cameroon, and the endorsement of a vulnerable targets referral center at the Interpol General Secretariat. The latter endorsement follows the U.N. General Assembly Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy from 2006.

"Interpol, as the world’s largest police organization with its network of national central bureaus in 186 member countries, clearly plays a pivotal role, not only for law enforcement but for all organizations responsible for ensuring the safety and security of citizens around the world," Interpol Secretary-General Ronald K. Noble said.