Mr Khoo Boon Hui, President of INTERPOL
Mr Ronald K Noble, Secretary General of INTERPOL
Crown Prince of Qatar, HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Thamim bin
Hamad Al Thani
Minister of Interior Qatar, Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani
Ministers present
Police Chiefs present
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
It is an honour to address this august gathering on behalf of the government of South Africa.
Our gathering today in Doha, the capital city of Qatar confirms our beliefs that crime is a scourge that does not respect borders, with syndicates that have made the entire globe the theatre of their operations.
The formation of International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) in 1923 was humanity’s expression and recognition that crime and criminality is number one enemy of social progress of all humanity.
Connecting police for a safer world
INTERPOL is the largest international police organisation, with 188 member countries.It facilitates cross-border police cooperation, supports and assists all organisations, authorities and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime.
INTERPOL aims to facilitate international police cooperation even where diplomatic relations do not exist between particular countries. Action is taken within the limits of existing laws in different countries and in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The theme for the 79th INTERPOL General Assembly ‘Connecting police for a safer world’ resonates well with the founding principles of this august organisation. 2010 FIFA World Cup – an African success, a global success The hosting of successful the 2010 FIFA World Cup by an African country, to us was a demonstration of an element of a dynamic political, social and economic process of a world redefining itself in the era of globalisation.
We have as Africans declared this century an ‘African Century.’ As such we saw the hosting of 2010 FIFA World Cup™ as Africans hosting the world in South Africa. Indeed this was a truly African World Cup.
The South African government’s basis on security is premised on the understanding that promoting mutual friendship amongst the people and nations of the world is paramount to the provision of security.
The field of any major event planning, preparation and support by any country increased significantly in recent years. That is precisely why the threat of terrorism and event disruption forces hosts countries to dedicate more time and resources to these events. Increasingly, all member countries are requesting support from INTERPOL, not only in the lead up to an event but for its duration.
South Africa has worked closely with the number of other international agencies on the best methods to gather, analyse and utilise accordingly the intelligence information.
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To us INTERPOL acted as a central repository for professional, technical expertise on transnational organised crime
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INTERPOL also acted as a clearinghouse for the collection, collation, analysis and dissemination of information relating to organised crime and criminal organisations
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INTERPOL has also helped us to identify major criminal threats with potential to disrupt the World Cup event
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Importantly, INTERPOL has assisted in helping pursue strategic partnerships with various organisations and institutions.
Pursuing the route of international cooperation is because we recognised that terrorism is one of the prime evils that plagued our universe today. Terrorists are prepared to kill and maim innocent people at any given opportunity. The ability of police to exchange crucial data quickly and securely is a cornerstone of effective international law enforcement.
A warm and sincere thank from South Africans
INTERPOL’s mission in this regard is to enhance cooperation among member countries.In particular, to stimulate the exchange of information between all national and international enforcement bodies concerned with countering organised crime groups and related corruption.
The people and government of South Africa wish to thank INTERPOL, all member countries (those countries that participated and those who did not participate in the field of play) for their cooperation and willingness to share information with our security agencies. Such cooperation assisted in ensuring a safe and secure 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Working together in dealing a blow towards organised crime
Definitions of what constitutes organised crime vary widely from country to country.However, organised groups are typically involved in many different types of criminal activity spanning several countries. These activities may generally include cyber crime, trafficking in humans, weapons and drugs, armed robbery, counterfeiting and money laundering.
The networks of crime have grown in their reach and sophistication across national boundaries. To us, as South Africans, the 2010 FIFA World Cup event has once more confirmed our belief in collective effort in the fight against crime.
As part of the progressive world, we need to intensify our globalised approach in the fight against crime and criminality in general. It cannot be that crime syndicates remain sophisticated than law enforcement authorities the world over.
Indeed the tournament has helped us to enhance our ability to monitor and analyse information related to specific areas of activity and criminal organisations. To initiate, prepare and participate in joint programs to improve the international sharing of information.
Fighting drug transnational crimes with all available means
The drug trade and its associated problems continue to grow in most parts of the world. Global abuse and accessibility of drugs has become increasingly complex, as trafficking routes have become shorter, more diverse and more easily traversed. The drug trade involves growers, producers, couriers, suppliers, dealers and users and affects people in almost all of INTERPOL’s 188 member countries.
The effect of drug abuse is the disintegration of nations and distorts the moral fibre of society, thus undermining the rule of law. It has to be fought with all the power and the means at our disposal. It is one major waste of human endeavor to social progress.
INTERPOL’s primary drug-control role is to identify new drug trafficking trends and criminal organisations operating at the international level. In turn this will assist all national and international law enforcement bodies concerned with countering the illicit production, trafficking and abuse of drugs.
United in the struggle for peace, globally
The struggle against the threat of criminal activity which causes instability in many societies, is the struggle to live in peace and harmony. Peace is the primary principle right for all humanity.
Humanity through organisation like INTERPOL demonstrates firmness in opposition to all crime mongers. The important thing now is for all these powerful forces to unite in the struggle for peace.
We should not under estimate the resolve of these criminals. Criminal gangs will employ every trick in the book to disunite, disorganise, and destabilise forces such as INTERPOL through fraud, bribery and corruption and by direct intimidation.
It is our task, as individuals and collective to safeguard the firmness and purity of Interpol. It is also our duty to jealously protect this body as a potent force for hope and a symbol of triumph over evil. We must strive to raise the title and the significance of Interpol, higher and higher and still higher.
In unity we shall overcome crime
We as police officers, police chiefs and police ministers are looked upon as a model in everything, work and conduct.We have to live and work in such a way that the ordinary citizen could say “yes this is a real police officer, Police Chief or Police Minister”.
Our task is to show tireless concern for the purity of INTERPOL ranks and dependability of its members. Our everyday practical work should always be accompanied by honest and noble concern for the INTERPOL cause.
We have to win this war against crime, in spite of the obstacles on our way. As an African proverb says, “however long the night, the dawn will break.”
In unity we shall overcome crime.
I thank you.
Enquiries:
Zweli Mnisi
Tel: 012 393 4341 or 021 467 7007
Cell: 082 045 4024
E-mail: zwelim@saps.gov.za
