News

S2006 Response To IMF/World Bank Statement 
Posted on Thursday, September 14, 2006 - 05:00 PM

The IMF and World Bank have alleged that the decision by the Singapore government not to allow certain individuals to participate in the 2006 Annual Meetings is a breach of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between IMF/WB and the Singapore government three years ago. Singapore is aware of its obligations under the MOU and will continue to honour them. However, the MOU also obliges Singapore to take all necessary measures for the safe passage of all persons in and out of Singapore and for their personal security and the safety of their property and the property of the Organizations and delegations. We take this duty seriously, especially in view of the prevailing international security environment.

3. Singapore has highlighted to the IMF/WB concerns regarding 27 out of over 500 CSO activists being accredited for the S2006 meetings. These are based on security and law and order concerns. While we cannot disclose specific details about individuals, we can affirm that the decision was carefully considered. Some of these persons were previously involved in violent activities at international meetings in Seattle, Cancun and Genoa. One had broken into the World Bank Headquarters in Washington to steal confidential papers. On another occasion, he had taken over a Consulate in San Francisco.

4. The IMF/WB have asked the Govern­ment to allow in the 27 activists. The Govern­ment has responded that if these activists travel to Singapore, we will assess at the point of entry whether they pose a security or safety risk. If we judge the risk to be acceptable for that particular activist, we are prepared to allow him or her in. However, we cannot guarantee that all 27 activists will be admitted to Singa­pore.

ISSUED BY: SINGAPORE 2006 ORGANISING COMMITTEE
DATE: 14 SEPTEMBER 2006