Monday, December 18, 2000

 

Volume 36, Issue 50; ISSN: 0511-4187

 

Statement on action against international crime

William J Clinton

 

 

� December 15, 2000

 

 

� The growing reach of international crime poses threats to American

citizens and American interests, both at home and abroad. Illegal

activity from terrorism to trafficking in arms, drugs, or humans

violates our values and threatens our safety. Intellectual property

theft, financial fraud, and corruption also can endanger our

prosperity and undercut public confidence in democracy and free

markets around the world.

 

 

� To confront these challenges, today I am pleased to announce

several important initiatives in our ongoing efforts to combat

international crime.

 

 

� First, we are releasing a comprehensive International Crime Threat

Assessment, prepared at my direction, as part of our International

Crime Control Strategy adopted in May, 1998. The new assessment

highlights the global dimensions of international crime and the ways

this pervasive problem threatens U.S. interests. This broader

understanding is necessary if we, together with our international

partners, are to strengthen our response to this global problem.

 

 

� Second, earlier this week in Palermo, Italy, the United States

joined many other countries in signing the United Nations Convention

on Transnational Organized Crime, along with two supplementary

protocols on migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons. By

harmonizing criminal laws and promoting increased cooperation, the

new convention and its protocols will enable the international

community to better combat international organized crime.

 

 

� Third, the Departments of State and Justice are establishing a

Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons Coordination Center.

The Center will integrate and improve our efforts to counter these

distinct but related global crime problems. The Center also will

promote and assist increased efforts by foreign governments and

international organizations to combat these problems.

 

 

� The United States is strongly committed to strengthening our

international crime control programs to achieve a world of greater

safety, prosperity, and justice. We urge the international community

to join us in enhancing our common efforts to advance these common

aims.