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)