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PREPARING SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE WORLD |
SA was chosen to host the fifth annual conference of 187 Interpol member states which addressed key 2010 World Cup security issues. Interpol's Criminal Intelligence Officer Dimitrios Souxes told Project 2010 that the conference couldn't have come at a better time...  What is the connection between this event being held in South Africa for the first time and the 2010 World Cup? Interpol sends missions all over the world to major events like the Olympic Games and the World Cup and also the Euro 2008 championships The idea is to assist the local authorities to ensure these events are safe and secure. We have the resources to make a big difference. With South Africa hosting the World Cup in 2010, it is appropriate that we bring everybody together to address the relevant issues. We will deploy a mission here for the tournament. I am not sure how many people we will have, but they will support all the liaison officers and they will have direct access to the Interpol database which is very important. What are the major concerns among delegates relating to 2010 security? We have to watch the use of fraudulent travel documents by criminals and other people wanting to get into the country. We have a database of about 14 million stolen and missing travel documents which could fall into the wrong hands. So by effectively matching these documents with our database at all points of entry, we are able to contain this problem. The other issue that has been addressed is sexual offenders, although this does not specifically relate to the World Cup. But it is still our duty to track them and to notify the local authorities. Are you satisfied with the progress that the South African government is taking with regards to 2010 security issues? Yes. The fact that we had this conference here is not an accident. Rather, it is to acknowledge South Africa as a key role-player in the region. We can all take a leaf from the South African example. In terms of neighbouring states - what measures are being put in place to secure borders? Some concerns have been raised about the lack of guarantees in terms of border controls, but we are dealing with this....we are implementing systems to make sure the borders operate properly. Overall, I have to say that we are more than satisfied with what we have seen - we are amazed in many respects. more interviews... |
