Chairman's Summary Remarks Breakout Session on Counter-Narcotics

(11:00-13:00, January 20)

(1) Participants representing donors, international organizations, and the Afghanistan Interim Authority (AIA) shared the view on the Afghan narcotics problems regarding the following aspects;

1. The ownership of the AIA and Afghan people of ending poppy cultivation, along with the assistance from the international society, is required to achieve this goal.
2. The task of utmost urgency is how to deal with the upcoming spring poppy crop. Other important issues include the protection of poppy farmers heavily indebted for the advance payments and the establishment of an effective administrative system.
3. Multi-faceted approach is required for anti-narcotics efforts as soon as possible including establishment of a drug enforcement authority and an effective judiciary, alternative crop development, reconstruction of local communities, treatment of drug addicts, and cooperation with neighbouring countries to fight against drug smuggling.

(2) Each participant of this session is requested to convey the result of this discussion to respective head of delegations, so that the above mentioned common recognition may be reflected In the discussions by the ministers tomorrow. Some of the relevant issues raised here is expected to be discussed again in the breakout session on security.

(3) Continuous follow up is important in the fight against drugs. The international society should maintain their attention and join hands in the efforts to eliminate narcotics from Afghanistan.