Charbel Heads Security Delegation to Rome to Attend Interpol General Assembly

Interior Minister Marwan Charbel headed on Saturday to Italy to participate in the 81st Interpol General Assembly and to hold talks with his Italian counterpart Anna Maria Cancellieri, the Central News Agency reported.

“Lebanon's participation in this meeting will reinforce its presence internationally, its cooperation and ties with foreign countries,” Charbel said at the Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport.

The ministerial meeting will open on Monday with the participation of some 100 countries under the slogan of “Challenges for police facing contemporary criminal violence.”

Charbel is accompanied by Internal Security Forces chief Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi.

He pointed out that he will hold “fruitful” talks with the “friendly countries that are helping to safeguard Lebanon from any repercussions” of the situation surrounding it.

The international community and analysts have continuously expressed fears that the conflict in Syria may spill over into Lebanon.

The conference is expected to bring together officials from some 110 countries to discuss on issues like drug cartels, money laundering, weapons smuggling and also elect officials for various vacant posts of the organization.