The main theme of this year's assembly focused on 'Police and Global Security' where the delegates held a dedicated discussion on global threat assessment and the setting of international policing priorities.

Interpol has reshaped, reorganised and refocused itself to fight terrorism following the outrages in the US on September 11 last year, Secretary General Mr Ronald K Noble told the meeting. The need for international co-operation in combating certain key crimes was stressed by police chiefs who gave their perspectives on the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies around the world. "Several speakers also expressed their conviction that key offences, such as weapons, drugs and people trafficking, as well as cybercrime, should be tackled multinationally," said Mr Lee.

"The 9-11 incident has made international co-operation on law enforcement more relevant than ever," Royal Canadian Mounted Police Commissioner Mr Zaccardelli told delegates. Mr Lee shared the view that a global approach is the only way forward.

The priorities for the ICPO-Interpol in the next three years include the roll out of Interpol's new secure communications system, I-24/7, which is a global communications network based on internet protocols allowing the organisation to transmit highly sensitive data quickly and securely. The system will give users access to a vast store of information, such as a digital fingerprint library and a DNA profile database, which is due to become fully operational next year. The Force has already acquired the equipment, said Mr Lee. Communications Branch is now testing the new system and Interpol Hong Kong, China will put it to use by December this year.

The Assembly also approved Afghanistan and East Timor becoming members, bringing the organisation's membership to 181 countries.

The Force joined the China delegation headed by Mr Zhu Entao, Vice Minister of Public Security and Head of the National Central Bureau, China. Director General of Macao Judicial Police, Mr Wong Sio-chak, was also attending.

Mr Lee Ming-kwai being interviewed by the local electronic media