The International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities
(IAACA), an independent and non political body, was officially
established yesterday with China's Jia Chunwang, procurator-general of the Supreme
People's Procuratorate, elected president.
Designed to promote the United Nations (UN) Convention Against
Corruption, the association called upon countries to strengthen
international cooperation on criminal issues. It said nations
should make it easier for fugitives who flee abroad to be
extradited especially between countries with no bilateral
extradition treaties.
The establishment of the IAACA came at the end of a four-day
conference attended by more than 900 delegates from anti-corruption
authorities in 137 countries and regions and 12 international
organizations.
"The successful conclusion of the meeting marks a new era of
international cooperation in fighting graft," said the 68-year-old
Jia. "I feel great responsibility as the chair of the IAACA and
sincerely hope members will do their best to assist our work."
He said China was willing to seek further assistance from the
international community in fighting corruption.
According to the IAACA constitution the organization will offer
professional training in anti-corruption activities and aims to
facilitate the distribution of expertise and experience. The
association is expected to assist global anti-corruption
authorities establish direct contact with one another.
During the conference procurator-generals, justice ministers and
anti-corruption authority directors from more than 30 countries
gave speeches.
Luo Gan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political
Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China,
reaffirmed that China attached great importance to international
cooperation in fighting corruption.
(China Daily October 26, 2006)