Commission on Narcotic Drugs
Forty-ninth session
Statement delivered by the Chairperson of the 49th Session,
H.E. Ambassador Györgyi MARTIN ZANATHY
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me a great pleasure to welcome such a great number of high-ranking representatives from various regions of the world at the 49th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. It clearly shows that the global drug situation continues to be a concern for all of us. We cannot overemphasize the fact that actions against the world drug problem is a shared responsibility requiring common response. It goes without saying that in order to tackle the threat posed by drugs we have to pay equal attention to the supply and demand reduction as well as to prevention. Member States should also increase their efforts to enhance international cooperation in this field. I hope that our session provides an excellent opportunity for experts to exchange views on the different aspects of the problems relating to drugs.
During the course of this week, I hope that we will have lively discussions ahead of us. The pre-session consultations started on Friday last week clearly demonstrate the commitment of Member States to use this session to address matters of particular importance .
There are a number of agenda items that merit intensive discussion. Let me just refer to the follow-up to the 20th special session of the General Assembly. You all know, the Commission established the calendar for the review of progress achieved by Governments in meeting the goals and targets set out in the political declaration and action plans adopted by the special session in 1998. The 49th session of the Commission could consider this matter; if it deemed appropriate our session could decide on how to move forward regarding the ten-year evaluation of the progress achieved and of the difficulties encountered.
Another matter that deserves special attention here is the question of strengthening the drug programme of UNODC. This question is highly interrelated with the joint efforts of the Member States to start discussions on the ways and means to enhance the functioning of the Commission as its governing body. Based on my consultations carried out in the last couple of months, I am convinced that there is an emerging consensus among Member States to consider measures to facilitate this process.
Last, but not the least, I would like to draw your attention to the thematic debate which focuses on alternative development as a cross-cutting issue which requires integrated approach. Let me express my sincere wish that on the basis of the guidelines adopted by the second inter-sessional meeting of the 49th session of the Commission there will be interactive dialogue on this pivotal matter. I firmly believe that the debate will contribute to the better understanding of alternative development and it also will reaffirm the political commitment of Member States to counter the world drug problem.
I will conclude here to begin our task at hand in order to address important matters before us. I strongly believe that in the spirit of cooperation our work will be completed succesfully, therefore I ask for your support in achieving this goal.