UNITED NATIONS NARCOTICS COMMISSION SETS AGENDA FOR SPECIAL SESSION OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON DRUGS

Press Release
SOC/NAR/755

UNITED NATIONS NARCOTICS COMMISSION SETS AGENDA FOR SPECIAL SESSION OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON DRUGS

VIENNA, 1 April (UN Information Service) -- Representatives of 108 governments have set a far-reaching agenda for an international meeting on the global drug problem, to take place in June 1998 as a special session of the General Assembly.

During a two-day preparatory session here last week, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, which was requested by the General Assembly to make arrangements for the session, decided that the 1998 meeting would focus on four major issues: the growing trend towards abuse of synthetic stimulants, including "Ecstasy" and "Speed"; proposals for tighter controls over the chemicals used in producing illicit drugs (precursors); efforts to combat money laundering; and ways to promote international cooperation in law enforcement and court proceedings.

At the special General Assembly session, governments are expected to reaffirm their commitment to existing international drug control treaties and to issue a declaration on agreed principles for reducing demand for illicit drugs. The meeting will also discuss eradication of illegal crops and alternative development.

In order to speed up the preparatory process, Member States have agreed to consult informally in Vienna in July and October on money laundering, judicial cooperation, precursors, stimulants and alternative development, and to meet again in December to assess progress made.

The Commission elected the following officers to administer preparations for the special session: Chairman, Alvaro Mendonca e Moura (Portugal); First Vice-Chairman, Alberto Scavarelli (Uruguay); Nozipho Joyce Mxakato-Diseko (South Africa), Daniela Rozgonova (Slovak Republic), and N.K. Singh (India), Vice-Chairmen. Mr. Singh will also act as Rapporteur.

The Commission will hold a further preparatory session in Vienna in February 1998.

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