STATEMENT by the Permanent Representative of the NETHERLANDS on behalf of the EU.

Statement also supported by: Slovakia, Romania, Slovenia, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus

1. Congratulations to new elected chairman.

2. In relation to the agenda of the Special Session, the issues raised in resolution 51/64 are both relevant and important. We broadly support the Secretariat's approach as presented in the report of the Executive Director (E/CN.7/1997/PC.3). A balanced approach to all aspects of drugs control is essential. Illicit production, sale, demand, trafficking and distribution should be incorporated in the agenda of the Special Session. The limited time allocated to the meeting of the Special Session means that we need to focus on the most important items of that agenda. The EU will, of course, make more detailed proposals during the Preparatory process.

3. Because of the complexity and global character of the drug-problem, which contains altogether the aspect of demand reduction and the fight against illicit drug abuse and drug trafficking call, therefore the need of an internationally coordinated and integrated approach. The principle of shared responsibility within the entire international community should be clearly reaffirmed, as well as its corollary, which is the necessary solidarity in the search for solutions. These two principles obviously lead to a positive attitude towards channeling assistance through multilateral institutions and the conditions under which this assistance should be given. I would like to bring to your attention a few special notions.

4. First, demand reduction. The EU welcomes the preparation of the draft declaration on guiding principles on demand reduction. This will form an important part of the agenda for the Special Session. A balanced approach giving due priority to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration is necessary. The exchange of information at all levels - national, regional and international - is extremely important. As well as governments, non governmental organizations can play an important role, by making the general public, particularly the young, aware of the drugs problem.

We strongly believe that prevention is an essential element of demand reduction. This includes properly targeted information and education as well as treatment and rahabilitation for drug addicts.

At the same time, we want to emphasize the social dimension of the drug abuse problem. No effort for demand reduction would be complete without sufficient attention being given to the general economic and social fremework of prevention and rehabilitation measures.

5. At the initiative of several UN-member states the updating of a handbook on best pracitices of demand reduction will be established. This is a good example of the necessity for a rapid implementation of the principles to be incorporated in the declaration.

6. It is our firm belief that preventive measures form the basis for demand reduction. In this respect comprehensive prevention strategies should be implemented with a view to reduce the abuse of drugs. Against this background, special attention should be placed on the role the family, the school and social institutions as a whole should play in promoting policies aimed at increasing public awaerness with regard to drug abuse.

7. Young people are clearly vulnerable and deserve special attention including properly targeted information. The EU is of the opinion that young people should be involved in the international process. The views of other relevant groups, like NGO's, should also be taken into account in the preparation, holding and follow-up of the Special Session, in order to reach all levels of society.

8. The EU wishes to reaffirm its commitment to ensure that a gender perpective will be taken into account in the preparation and outcome of the Special Session. It is of vital importance to develop gender related programs and procedures to educate and raise awareness of drug abuse which often leads to violent actions affecting societies, families, women, men and children. The EU therefore asks the Secretariat to include a gender perspective in a comprehensive and in-depth way in the preparation, organization and follow-up of the SUNGA.

9. Turning to the production of illicit drugs, the EU is of the opinion that alternative development is another subject to be discussed at the Special Session with a view to evaluating its impact.

10. As far as law enforcement in relation to drugs control is concerned, we should first of all stress universal adherence to the concrete implementation of existing UN conventions and other international arrangements with due respect for human rights.

Money laundering and diversion of chemical precorsors, for example, should be tackled in conformity with the provisions of the Vienna Convention of 1988 and the Resolutions adopted in this matter by CND and ECOSOC.

In addition, of fundamental importance is the need to further inhance international cooperation between law enforcement authorities.

One good example of a recently established cooperation mechanism is European Drugs Unit (EUROPOL). The EU is prepared to work through this mechanism with other countries. Under the Netherlands presidency, the EU member states have started discussions under which this cooperation should take place.

11. The issue of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants and its precursors was a predominant element of discussions during the 40th session of CND. The resolution, adopted by the 40th session includes general measures on the Amphetamine type stimulants and its precursors. Measures, summed up in the resolution, relate to countering illicit manufacture, trafficking and abuse as well as to verification of the legitimacy of transactions. We urgently appeal to all UN member states to have this subject put on the agenda of the Special Session.

As others will be aware, the EU is preparing an "early warning system" on new ATS. We will share our experience with others as soon as it is available.

12. The EU, of course, looks forward to the opportunity given by the Special Session for the international community to review international action in this area, with particular emphasis on practical outcomes.

In addition it will allow the international community to reinforce its commitment to drug control measures and to making the UN system, and in prticular UNDCP and CND, more effective.

13. The preparation of the Special Session must be carefully focused and structured. This implies not only giving priority to a number of particularly important themes but also clear procedures to achieve those aims. Intersessional meetings, where necessary, should not overlap with other relevant international meetings. Informal meetings may be helpful as long as they are not binding and are within the parameters of the Report of the Executive Director (nr. E/CN.7/1997/PC.3)

14. I would like to end my intervention on behalf of the European Union by once again expressing the full support of the EU for a positive outcome of the Special Session.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.