Vienna Chapter
Madame Chairperson,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. We
are pleased to see you presiding over this mid term evaluation of the
implementation of the goals established by the XX Special Session of the
General Assembly.
As we engage in this very important task, let me thank the Executive
Director for the thoughtful recommendations contained in his biennial
reports. His two additional contributions to this ministerial meeting,
namely the reports on a strategic vision for the UN activities in this
field and on a renewed commitment to deliver, will no doubt leave a strong
imprint on our findings and deliberations.
This meeting represents a defining moment in our common struggle
against the scourge of drugs. Our objective is not only to assess the
level of implementation of commitments contained in the 1998 Political
Declaration and Plans of Action. We must also renew our political
commitment to the global fight against drugs and set clear policy
directives thereupon for the years ahead, in keeping with the principle of
shared responsibilities and an integrated approach to the fight against
the illicit demand and supply of drugs.
The reaffirmation of our shared responsibilities necessarily implies
a renewed commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation,
particularly in the form of increased technical assistance and the
provision of additional financial resources by international organizations
and developed countries in support of the efforts by developing countries
to confront the drugs issue in all its manifestations.
International cooperation must adequately address the needs of
producing countries, transit countries, as well as the requirements of
developing countries affected by growing demand and a surge in
drug-related violence and crime.
The global problem of drugs affects individual countries and regions
in different ways. We must always keep in mind the fact that in developing
countries the problem of drugs strikes societies already struggling with
the enormous consequences of poverty and social exclusion.
In this context international cooperation in the fight against drugs
can only be effective if it reinforces developing countries efforts to
promote sustainable development.
Madam Chairperson,
Our Group reiterates also the need for strong and effective
bilateral, regional and international cooperation to counter the threats
posed by the continuing linkages between illicit trafficking of drugs and
terrorism, money laundering, illicit traffic in arms and other forms of
transnational organized crime.
The Group reiterates the importance of alternative development,
including preventive alternative development, especially for those
countries that have adopted measures to reduce and eradicate illicit drug
crops. Greater international cooperation is needed to support alternative
development and preventive alternative development programs and projects,
as well as for interdiction programs and reinforcement of national
intelligence systems devoted to the neutralization of drug trafficking
groups.
In accordance with the principle of shared responsibility, we also
call for greater market access for products originating from alternative
development programs.
The Group reiterates the need to maintain the balance between licit
supply of, and licit demand for, opiates and opiate-derivatives for
medical and scientific purposes.
The Group also considers that control of cannabis cultivation, by far
the most widely and frequently abused of the drugs listed in drug control
treaties (CND Res. 45/8), is a very important issue, taking into account
that cultivation is on the increase in Africa as well as in some parts of
Latin America, with negative social and economic consequences. In this
context, the Group is also alarmed that decriminalization policies of the
use of cannabis by certain developed countries may hamper efforts towards
supply reduction.
Madam Chairperson,
The Group of 77 and China wishes to renew its hope that through a
strong consensus with the recommendations of this ministerial meeting, and
also through reinforced international cooperation and treaty
implementation, we will be able to advance in our journey towards a world
free of the scourge of illicit drugs, in which the reduction of poverty
and all forms of drug related violence and crime will promote better
standards of living and dignity for all. Effective fight against the
illicit use of drugs must be our contribution to world peace and
development.
Thank you.
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