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PROGRESS REPORTED IN HEMISPHERIC ANTI-NARCOTICS EFFORT

The nations of the Americas are reporting steady progress in their effort to combat illegal drug activities, as the Inter American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) opened its 35th regular session at the Organization of American States (OAS).

The meeting has brought together senior officials responsible for the implementation of anti-narcotics policies in the OAS member states. The agenda includes finalizing and approving reports from the second round (2001-2002) of the Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism (MEM), a tool that measures hemispheric progress in fighting illicit drugs.

In opening remarks CICAD’s Chairman, Canada’s Senior Assistant Deputy Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Paul Kennedy, reported that the hemisphere’s nations have moved forward on several commitments related to the fight against illicit drugs. In addition to the MEM, he highlighted other important initiatives including steps taken to enhance cooperation among officials in the hemisphere through workshops aimed at sharing policy best practices in intelligence-led targeting methods, undercover operations, and witness protection programs.

Kennedy made special mention of CICAD’s ad hoc group on transnational organized crime that developed a substantive action plan that is to be considered during this three-day session. “This is a prime example of how we have contributed to the development of a hemispheric approach on the issue of transnational organized crime.” He also underscored CICAD’s commitment to coordinate with such other hemispheric forums as the Meeting of Ministers of Justice and the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE), and reiterated Canada’s commitment and confidence in the work of the Commission.

Meanwhile, OAS Secretary General Cesar Gaviria, hailed CICAD for its active role in coordinating efforts over the years to tackle the drug problems in all its manifestations.

Recalling the state of relations between and among states before CICAD was established nearly 20 years ago, Gaviria said the drug problem used to divide countries, and led to serious recriminations as to which group was at fault for the steep rise in drug trafficking and consumption.

“Relations between and among countries were seen through the prism of [illicit] drugs,” he observed, adding that now, almost twenty years after CICAD was established, the OAS agency has grown and matured. “It now brings together all the OAS member states. Its debates are conducted in an atmosphere of cooperation and understanding.” He noted as well the agency’s successes in the control of money laundering and firearms, and in bolstering national anti-narcotics commissions.

Gaviria praised the Commission’s Secretariat and Executive Secretary David Beall, and urged international institutions and OAS observers to increase their contribution to CICAD to reduce demand for drugs and protect future generations of the Americas.

During their three-day session, the delegates will review and approve the MEM draft hemispheric report, and the Secretary General will preside over a ceremony to honor the first graduating class of the International Online Master’s Degree program in addiction studies.

Reference: E-067/04