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� � | � A draft text of a Political Declaration for consideration and adoption at the 20th Special Session of the General Assembly on drugs, 8 -10 June, was agreed to here on March 21, 1998. The draft Declaration sets out a comprehensive global strategy for the simultaneous reduction of both illicit supply and demand for drugs, and clearly defines target dates for achieving both goals. The agreement was reached at the second and final session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs - the United Nations' principal policymaking body on drug control- in its capacity as a preparatory body for the Special Session. Reducing demand for drugs was one of the key elements in the strategy that received full endorsement by the Commission. By including demand reduction in the draft text of a Political Declaration, Members States put this important issue on an equal level with supply reduction. "This will be the first time that the problem of demand reduction will be addressed by the international community in the context of a comprehensive drug control strategy", said Pino Arlacchi, the Executive Director of the United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP). The strategy also includes a concrete plan on eradication of illicit drug crops worldwide as well as alternative development initiatives. Mr. Arlacchi stressed in his statement to delegates that the Special Session should be a turning point for the world to go forward with renewed energy on drug control. There are many reasons for optimism in this regard, he said: a politically more cooperative international climate - devoid of the East-West and North-South ideological divides; sophisticated technology such as satellite monitoring systems; and the accumulated knowledge of the international community in drug control activities. The draft Declaration, approved in Vienna on March 21, is a forceful, high-level commitment to fighting all elements of the drug problem on both the national and international level and sets clear target dates for Member States to take action required in the agreed upon areas. The Declaration sets 2003 as the target date for national level action for stemming the tide of illegal abuse and trafficking in amphetamine-type stimulants; for national legislation to prevent money-laundering; for promotion of judicial cooperation; and for implementing new and enhanced demand reduction strategies. Also, the Declaration sets 2008 as a target date for achieving significant and measurable results in demand reduction; in eliminating or significantly reducing illicit drug cultivation; and in reducing the manufacture and trafficking of psychotropic substances, including synthetic designer drugs and the diversion of precursors. � |
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