25 September 2001

Interpol Condemns "Murderous Attacks" of September 11

The 135 member countries of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) have condemned the "murderous attacks against citizens of over 80 countries" September 11 in New York and Washington, and called for "making full use" of Interpol's resources in the fight against terrorism.

The resolution was approved at Interpol's General Assembly meeting in Budapest September 25.

Following is the text of an Interpol press release:

135 Interpol countries demonstrate historic and unanimous solidarity against terrorism

On Tuesday, two weeks almost to the hour after the terrorist-piloted aircraft attacks in the United States, 135 countries present at Interpol's General Assembly meeting in Budapest, unanimously passed a strong resolution in condemnation of the murderous attacks perpetrated against citizens of over 80 countries.

Representing every region of the world, senior police and government officials honoured the memory of the many law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency workers and private citizens who selflessly gave their lives to save others. Their resolution demonstrates the outrage of the global Interpol 'family' at the abhorrent violation of law and of the standards of human decency of September 11.

The resolution emphasizes the importance of making full use of the services available through Interpol. It also requests the creation of an international Interpol database of counterfeit, forged and stolen identity documents. Furthermore, it urges Interpol's 179 member countries to develop robust systems for the monitoring of suspicious financial transactions linked to terrorist activities.

In a joint statement Interpol's leaders, President Jes�� Espigares Mira and Secretary General Ronald K. Noble said:

"We are proud to announce this historic show of solidarity and resolve by police professionals from all over the world. Two weeks after the horrific events on U.S. soil Interpol's General Assembly has demonstrated its firm and powerful commitment to fighting terrorism in defense of the world's citizens."