Interpol picks S. Korean as president, Russia criticizes Western pressure
REUTERS, 21ST NOVEMBER, 2018-International police body Interpol elected Kim Jong-yang of South Korea as president on Wednesday, beating a Russian national whose candidacy had raised concerns in Europe and the United States about the risk of Kremlin interference.
Russia said clear outside pressure had been exerted on the vote but it did not dispute the voting process.
Interpol member states, meeting in Dubai for their annual congress, elected Kim to succeed China’s Meng Hongwei, who disappeared in September and later resigned after Chinese authorities said he was being investigated for suspected bribery.
Interpol, whose role is to facilitate cooperation between police forces around the world, said on Twitter that Kim, who had been serving as acting president, had been elected for a two-year term. The presidency, a largely ceremonial role, is typically held for four years. Interpol later said Kim was completing the term of former president Meng, which was due to end in 2020.
Meng has not been seen since he disappeared during a trip to China from where he sent a letter to Interpol announcing his resignation. Days after his wife reported him missing, Chinese authorities said he was under investigation.
“Our world is now facing unprecedented changes which present huge challenges to public security and safety,” Kim said in a statement.
“To overcome them, we need a clear vision: we need to build a bridge to the future.” Day-to-day work is handled by Secretary-general Jurgen Stock of Germany, but the presidency still commands influence.