Brussels, November 10, 1997

Respected Sir,

the debate on the laws and policies on drugs is slowly but surely overcoming the tabu and the clichés. The prohibition is still more confronted for what it is: an immense present, unprecedented in the history of mankind, to the organized crime.

On the other hand, thanks to intensification of the mobilization of citizens, the public opinion takes quickly the conscience of the posibility to carry out concrete and pragmatic reforms. Particularly in Italy, with the multiplication of the actions of civil disobedience of Marco Pannella during the last two years, the change of attitude of public opinion and of the political class is noticeable. In the same direction enters the recent initiative for the legalization of marijuana launched by the 'Independent on Sunday' as well as many local and regional initiatives.

Beeing aware and appreciating your grips of position on the same argument, we would be very honoured if you accept to participate in a debate on the topic "For a new policy on drugs" which we organize in the European Parliament in the afternoon of Thursday 11 December, with the presence of:

- Marco Pannella (Italy)

- Emma Bonino, European Commissioner

- Antonio Almeida Santos, president of the Portughese Parliament (*)

- George Papandreou, Minister of the European Affairs (Greece) (*)

- Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Health (France) (*)

- Hedy d'Ancona, President of the Committee on Civil Liberties of the European Parliament (Netherlands) (*)

- Rosie Boycott, editor of the 'Independent on Sunday' (United Kingdom) (*)

- Franco Corleone, Vice-Minister of Justice (Italy) (*)

This debate will take place in the frame of three working days (please find enclosed the provisional programe of it) dedicated to the policies on drugs and to the possible militant and nonviolent initiatives of the antiprohibitionists.

With the living hope that we can count you among the guests of this debate, we ask you to accept, dear Sir, our distinguished regards.

Dr. Eric Picard Olivier Dupuis, MEP

Secretary of CORA Secretary of RP