The independent and non-political International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA) was officially established yesterday with 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 in criminal matters.

 

It said nations should make it easier for fugitives who flee abroad to be extradited, especially between countries which have 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," Jia, 68, said, "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 is 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 dissemination of expertise and experience.

 

The association is expected to help 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 made 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)