H. E. Ambassador
Permanent Mission of Portugal
To the United Nations
New York, NY 10017
Re: UNGA Special Session on Narcotics
New York, February 27, 1998
Esteemed Ambassador,
As you know, on June 8-10, 1998, the UN General Assembly will hold a Special Session on Narcotic Drugs. We are writing to you today, on the eve of the last session of the preparatory body for the preparation of the June event, because we believe that in Portugal, more than in other countries, there is an interesting and lively debate on drug-related issues, in which politicians as well as the public participate without censorship.
The 1997 UNDCP World Drug Report states that, despite all international efforts, the overall situation of drugs has not improved, moreover, other studies issued on the Swiss and Dutch experiments point out how different approaches to the drug question can sort out better results.
The UN general attitude on the matter does not seem to be open to alternatives to the 'War on Drugs', but what is worse is that also an open and frank debate risks to be denied. Recently WHO has ditched a background paper on a comparison study on the effects of tobacco, alcohol and marijuana under the political pressure of other UN bodies. If that was not enough, the International Narcotic Control Board in its 1997 report considers, or rather confuses, reformers of drug laws with inciters of drug abuse.
We fear that the 3-day session will end up in avoiding discussions on possible alternatives to international current policies. For all these reasons we appeal to you to help us in securing a place for a public debate during the Special Session in New York. We would very much appreciate your collaboration in providing a conference room at the UN for a panel discussion with parliamentarians, opinion leaders, Nobel laureates on different alternative approaches to the drug question.
We thank you in advance for your time and consideration on this issue. Best regards
Very truly yours,
Olivier Dupuis Marco Cappato
MEP, Secretary UN Representative
