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INTERPOL's Asian members agree to boost police cooperation. New anti-terrorism and crime-fighting measures proposed.

INTERPOL's three core functions provide police in its 181 member states worldwide with a secure global communication system, databases and analytical services, as well as operational police support.

Delegates at the conference resolved to update service standards to ensure quality of service between NCBs and the INTERPOL General Secretariat in Lyon, France, and to enhance the role and functions of the INTERPOL liaison office based in Bangkok.

Delegates recognised the I-24/7 communications system as INTERPOL's primary means of information exchange and an important new tool to tackle serious international crime. Member countries not yet connected to the system were encouraged to do so as a matter of priority.

Member countries were encouraged to make increased use of the INTERPOL network and databases as part of their national, regional and global fight against crime. In particular, the database of stolen travel documents was recognised as a vital tool in counter-terrorist measures. Member countries were also encouraged to make full use of the INTERPOL Command and Co-ordination Centre in Lyon which provides real-time operational support to NCBs to help identify, track, locate and arrest criminals.

Delegates recognised that INTERPOL has undertaken numerous strategic and operational activities to meet the needs of member countries countering terrorism and that INTERPOL's projects on combating terrorism make an important contribution to anti-terrorist activities in the region. They agreed to participate in and contribute to these initiatives including the timely exchange of information about terrorism and terrorists.

Delegates welcomed the introduction of the new INTERPOL Orange Notices which warns public institutions and other international organisations about potential threats posed by disguised weapons, parcel bombs and other dangerous objects or materials.

Delegates endorsed the Secretary General's interim decision on the interpretation of Article 3 of its constitution. This is being re-examined in order to make the INTERPOL Red Notices for wanted persons a more effective tool in the search for individuals who might pose a potential terrorist threat, for example through membership of a terrorist organisation.

The conference recognised the increasing threat posed by the growth in production and use of synthetic drugs in the region. They also acknowledged that regional effectiveness in combating synthetic drugs can be improved by active use of INTERPOL databases on this type of crime and participation in Project SYDRUG, including the exchange of data through INTERPOL channels.

The conference recognised the need to increase efforts to identify victims of child sexual abuse images on the Internet. In so far as national legislations allow, members agreed to support, investigations to identify child abusers who purchased images of child abuse, or access to child abuse images through the Internet.