Vienna, Austria.

 

Mr. Chairman,
Dear Colleagues,

I would like to join the previous speakers to thank the Government of Austria for hosting this important gathering and the Russian Federation and France for having taken the initiative for convening this conference.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Although a decade has passed since the Paris Conference on Drug Routes from Central Asia to Europe and international efforts in this respect have increased, the risks posed by the illicit production of opium in Afghanistan have not been reduced.

We have come together to express our support for the continuation, further enhancement and broadening of the scope of this initiative, to identify and recommend targeted interventions for mitigating the trafficking and consumption of Afghan opiates, to enhance further the coordination of technical assistance and cross reference of Paris Pact activities with those of the UNODC Rainbow Strategy and other related initiatives.

The successful implementation of the adopted strategic decisions cannot be insured without coordinated action and support of other regional and international organizations dealing with transnational crime, and most importantly, the extensive bilateral cooperation between all countries along the main trafficking routes. Regional initiatives and cooperation in the fight against opium and heroin trafficking from Afghanistan is gaining more importance as it allows to better synchronize the efforts of different countries and amplify their efficiency and impact.

Since the launch of the Paris Pact Initiative, Armenia has fully aligned itself with the priority goals set by the Paris Statement and Moscow Declaration. We fully acknowledge the social and human impact of illicit drug trade and drug abuse which increase the human insecurity and create further impediments to the stable and sustainable development.

While the cases of drug trafficking through Armenia are insignificant in comparison to those countries on the main routes of Afghan opiate, the Government of Armenia has adopted strategies and implemented policies aimed at increasing its capacity to stop the illicit drugs from crossing through the country. Despite the two decade-long blockade of Armenia by its neighbors to the west and east, has at the same time blocked the drug trafficking from those countries, the borders in the north and south can still be attempted to be used by drug traffickers, and Armenia has spared no effort to apply preventive measures against it in cooperation with our partners.

The Armenian National Programme on Combating Drug Addiction and Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs for 2009-2012 identifies all those necessary measures to address the illegal trade and the consumption aspects of the problem. Twice a year an assessment of the measures undertaken under the Strategy is carried out and the results are made public.

The fight against transnational crimes requires effective international cooperation. As a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, Armenia actively participates in its anti-drug operations. The multinational operation "Kanal" brings together not only member states, but also representatives from around two dozens of states and international organizations. As a result of these operations carried out since 2003 several tons of drugs in the area of CSTO member states have been confiscated. In 2008 this operation was given the status of a standing regional antidrug operation.

In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm Armenia’s determination to continue to bring its active contribution to the international efforts, including the Paris Pact and other international initiatives, which aim at reducing and eradicating the illicit drug production, trade and trafficking.

Thank You!