UN Drug Control Programme and European Drug Monitoring Centre Sign Memorandum of Understanding

To Work together on Improving Their Understanding of the Drug Problem And Its Underlying Causes

VIENNA, 16 March (UN Information Service) - The Executive Director of the United Nations International Drug Control

Programme (UNDCP), Pino Arlacchi, and the Director of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction

(EMCDDA), Georges Estievenart, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 13 March, pledging their organisations to

work closely together to tackle the international drug problem.

"We welcome this chance to intensify the working relationship with EMCDDA. Our roles makes us natural partners,

EMCDDA as the repository on information on drug abuse in the European Union and UNDCP as the centre of expertise on

the global drug problem." said Mr. Arlacchi.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) specifies that UNDCP and EMCDDA will: improve information at the European

and global levels on the extent and nature of drug abuse; develop a better understanding of the underlying causes of the drug

problem; identify and analyse new trends in drug abuse and their implications for European and international drug policy; and,

develop more effective programmes aimed at preventing drug abuse.

Mr. Estievenart noted that while his organisation was young, it hoped to improve the overall picture of the drug problems that

different countries are seeking to tackle.