Secretary General of Interpol to visit Canada from March 29-31

Ottawa , ON— March 23, 2005 Commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli is pleased to announce that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will be hosting Mr. Ronald K. Noble, the Secretary General of Interpol, from March 29 to 31, 2005 . “ Interpol exemplifies the principles of integrated policing and partnerships by connecting Canadian law enforcement personnel to a network of police around the world. We at the RCMP are proud to manage this important partnership on behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadian law enforcement agencies,” said Commissioner Zaccardelli.

Mr. Noble’s upcoming visit marks the first time since 1990 that a Secretary General of Interpol has been to Canada on official visit. The purpose of Mr. Noble’s visit is to encourage Canadians to continue contributing to international security efforts. "In a world where the law enforcement community faces increasing and changing threats from criminals and terrorists, the need for international police co-operation and communication has never been greater," said Secretary General Ronald K. Noble. " Canada , through the RCMP, has recognized the need for increased integration and co-ordination, and continues to play an important role in supporting Interpol and the world's police."

During his official visit to Canada , Mr. Noble will be meeting with key decision makers including RCMP Commissioner, Giuliano Zaccardelli, and senior officialsfrom Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC) and Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC).

MEDIA PROGRAM:

Event: Mr. Noble will lay a wreath on behalf of the International Policing community to pay tribute to all fallen members of the police community including the four RCMP members who were killed in the line of duty in Mayerthorpe , Alberta , on March 3, 2005.

• Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2005
• Time: 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• Location: RCMP Memorial Monument, Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa, ON
• Note: There will be an area reserved for media.
• Contact: RCMP Media Relations 613-993-2999

Event: Members of the media, the academic community, and the general public are invited to hear Mr. Noble speak about the current global security threats and the role of Interpol at an open forum hosted by Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC).

• Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2005
• Time: 14:30 p.m. – 15:30 p.m.
• Location: Frieman/Guigues Room, 111 Sussex Drive (Old City Hall)
• Contact: FAC Media Relations 613-995-1874.

For more RCMP media enquiries, please call: 613-993-2999.

For FAC media enquiries, please call: 613-995-1874.