The conference will focus on a range of issues including expansion of access to INTERPOL’s services beyond National Central Bureaus, trafficking in human beings, counterfeiting and operational support provided by INTERPOL’s Sub-Regional Bureaus in Africa.

Delegates will also be updated on the activities of the regional police chiefs committees.

The opening ceremony and speeches by INTERPOL President Jackie Selebi and the Minister of Public Safety and Security of Tanzania, Honorable Harith Bakari Mwapachu, will be open to accredited media at 10am on Wednesday 11 July.

It is expected that the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete will deliver the opening address.

A press conference will be held immediately after the ceremony at which INTERPOL President Selebi, Executive Director for Police Services Jean-Michel Louboutin and senior Tanzanian officials will be present.*

The conference itself is closed to media. A final press release will be issued at the end of proceedings, and media may attend the closing ceremony.

Simultaneous translations of press conferences and public sessions will be available in Arabic, English, French and Spanish.

Media are also invited to the opening ceremony of the 8th meeting of Heads of African National Drugs Services at 9am on Monday 9 July.

Journalists wishing to cover either event should apply immediately for accreditation by supplying the following information to Assistant Commissioner of Police Esaka Mugasa, at Tanzania Police:

• The name of their media organization
• Family name and forenames of attending journalists
• Nationality, date of birth and place of residence

Telephone (+255) 22 2118222 or (+255) 784 311336, fax (00 255) 22 2118223 and email phq@policeforce.go.tz for the attention of Esaka Mugasa.

Journalists must bring their press credentials and identification documents when they arrive at conference desk for accreditation. Both conferences will take place at the Simba Hall at AICC, Arusha, Tanzania.