29 ministers confirm participation in UNCAC in Bali

Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News) - A total of 29 ministerial level officials have confirmed participation in the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in the Indonesian tourist resort province of Bali on January 28 - February 1, 2008.

"Twenty nine ministerial level officials have until today confirmed participation in the conference. But we believe that more than that would attend it," Bali Police Chief Insp. Gen. Paulus Purwoko said here on Friday.

Paulus said he would field some 1,500 police personnel to maintain security during the conference. Besides the police, hundreds of military personnel will also be deployed to help maintain security.

He said that the United Nations would also send at least 10 security officers headed by Hassan Rahimmy of Germany.

Rahimmy has been in Bali for an inspection of a drill by security groups, along with Paulus on Friday evening.

The UNCAC meeting will be held at Bali`s International Convention Center, Westin Resorts, Nusa Dua.

Thousands of delegates from 140 countries, 284 non-governmental organizations, 21 national and international organizations are expected to attend the conference.

In the meantime, the conference scheduled to be opened by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, will be covered by about 1,300 local and foreign journalists.