Brussels, 10 November, 1997

Respected Deputy, dear colleague,

On November 3, the Committee on Civil Liberties of the European Parliament has approved by a large majority a report on "harmonization of the laws on drugs in Europe".

Thanks also to the work of the rapporteur, Hedy d'Ancona, who is President of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Hedy d'Ancona, a pragmatic approach has prevailed which addresses the breadth and gravity of the drug problems that are growing both in Europe and world.

In particular, the recommendation to the Council of Ministers of the EU requests:

- the generalization of the harm reduction policies (distribution of syringes, distribution of methadone and heroin under medical supervision);

- the de-penalization of the consumption of all drugs;

- the legalization of hashish and its derivates;

- the modification of the International Conventions concerning drugs;

Even if the jurisdiction of the European Parliament is limited so far in this field, we think that this vote is an important step and will represent encouragement to the deputies of national parliaments to act in favour of new policies and new laws on drugs.

On the other hand, it is now vital to unite the forces of all those who campaign in national parliaments and in the European Parliament in order that their experiences and initiatives can eventually become the property of and instruments for all. To this end we invite you to join the CORA-PAA and to participate in the "parlamentary discussions" which will be held in the European Parliament in Brussels from 10 to 12 December this year, on the subject of "a new policy on drugs".

Finally, as you may know, Marco Pannella has organized, during the last two years, 7 initiatives of civil disobedience, publicly distributing hashish in order to encourage the Italian Parliament to reform the penal laws concerning drugs that are valid today. For one of these actions he was recently condemned to 4 months in prison. To give more strength to these initiatives, we ask you to sign the appeal addressed to the Presidents of the Senate and of Chamber of Deputies (see enclosed).

In the hope that we can count on your support for CORA-PAA, on your participation in this organizing phase and on your support for these nonviolent initiatives, we kindly extend our best regards.

Eric Picard Olivier Dupuis

Secretary of CORA-PAA Secretary of Radical Party

Member of the European Parliament

PS. Please find enclosed the recommendation of d'Ancona, draft programe of the meeting in Brussels, form for support of CORA-PAA, the form for participation in the three working days in Brussels and the appeal supporting the nonviolent initiatives of Marco Pannella.