LYON, France (AP) — Interpol's leader says the international police organization's rules forbid him from probing into the fate of the man who served as Interpol president until he vanished in September on a trip to his native China.

In rare public remarks about the disappearance of Meng Hongwei, Interpol Secretary General Juergen Stock said Thursday that he has "encouraged" Chinese authorities to provide information about the case but can do no more.

He spoke to journalists ahead of the organization's general assembly on Nov. 18-21 in Dubai — when a new president will be elected to replace Meng, who Stock said had submitted a resignation letter to Interpol.

Stock said Interpol's role is "not to govern over member states."

Meng, 64, was China's vice minister of public security while serving as Interpol president. He was detained on bribery charges.