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(c) An alternative approach that was proposed might be based on the seriousness ofthe offence, which might be determined on the basis of the penalty foreseen in nationallegislation and a requirement that the offence be committed in connection with a criminalorganization, association or conspiracy. That approach was not free of difficulties, as theconcept of seriousness was not as meaningful in all national systems. However, there wasmerit in further considering such an approach as a potential solution, especially combiningit with a focus on the organized nature of the offence in question, as well as lookingat elements that would necessitate international cooperation, including its transnationalreach. Certain delegations expressed strong opposition to a “serious crimes convention” asopposed to an instrument focused on organized crime;(d) There was agreement that the convention should include practical measures ofinternational cooperation, such as judicial cooperation, mutual assistance in criminal matters,extradition, law enforcement cooperation, witness protection and technical assistance.The convention should be a capacity-building instrument for States and the United Nationsalike in connection with the collection, analysis and exchange of information, as well asthe provision of assistance. Furthermore, the convention should expand the predicateoffences for the purpose of action against money-laundering, while it should include provisionscreating the obligation of States to confiscate illicitly acquired assets and regulatebank secrecy. The convention should also include provisions to prevent organized crime,such as measures to reduce opportunities for criminal organizations or limit their abilityto engage in certain activities. The convention should have provisions that required legislativeaction on the part of Governments, in order to facilitate meaningful and effectivecooperation;(e) Other international instruments, especially the International Convention for theSuppression of Terrorist Bombings (General Assembly resolution 52/164, annex) and the1988 Convention, were useful sources of inspiration. They contained provisions of direct relevanceto the new convention. Some of those provisions could provide solutions to similarproblems, or serve as a point of departure in order to go beyond their scope, taking intoaccount new needs and developments. In addition, the convention should empower the lawenforcement authorities of States parties to employ extraordinary investigative techniques(e.g. wire-tapping and undercover operations), consistent with constitutional safeguards;(f) Finally, the convention should incorporate appropriate safeguards for the protectionof human rights and to ensure compatibility with fundamental national legal principles.The group also decided to submit to the Commission on Crime Prevention and CriminalJustice, at its seventh session, a non-exhaustive outline of options for contents of the internationalconvention against organized transnational crime for consideration and action.Following the consistent practice established by the previous regional ministerial workshopsin Buenos Aires and Dakar, the Secretariat organized an Asian Regional MinisterialWorkshop on Organized Transnational Crime and Corruption in Manila from 23 to 25March 1998. The Workshop unanimously adopted the Manila Declaration on the Preventionand Control of Transnational Crime (E/CN.15/1998/6/Add.2, para. 4). A brief account ofthe main general and specific comments made in the context of a working group establishedto discuss issues related to the elaboration of an international convention againstorganized transnational crime was annexed to the report of the meeting(E/CN.15/1998/6/Add.2, annex II).As already mentioned, the proposals of the intergovernmental group of experts thathad met in Warsaw in February 1998 were submitted to the Commission on Crimexxiii