DUSHNABE, March 15, 2010, Asia-Plus — United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon intends to discuss drug eradication issues with leaders of Russia and five Central Asia’s countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan), according to Russia’s news agency RIA Novosti.
In an interview with RIA Novosti ahead of his visit to Moscow, scheduled for March 17-19, Mr. Ban noted that in Moscow, he will be engaging in dialogue with President Dmitry Medvedev and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Asked how he estimates the results of countering drug-trafficking in Afghanistan and what more can be done on this issue between UN and other parties in the region, like Russia and Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the UN secretary-general noted that the combating drag0trafficking in Afghanistan is one of the very important elements in ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan.
With the new administration led by Khamid Karzai, there was heightened and renewed support from the international community. “We have seen such a strong support of the international community through the International Conference on Afghanistan held in London on January 28, in which I myself participated. That was a good opportunity and momentum where and when the international community and Afghan leadership agreed to have smoother transition whereby Afghanistan will have greater ownership and leadership in addressing all issues,” RIA Novosti quoted Mr. ban as saying.
“We expect that Afghan government will address these drug-trafficking issues and eradicate corruptive practices which have been quite prevalent in the society,” said Mr. Ban. “This will be a part of good governance. Enhancing good governance is very important. President Karzai committed to that. And the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes has been very closely cooperating with Afghanistan government.”
According to him, the gross volume of export of the opiates has fallen by 18% during last year. This is a significant result, with active involvement, and active support of the UNODC. “We”ll continue to work with Afghan government and other members of the international community to eradicate drugs. And at the same time we are trying to expand to provide some alternate farming opportunities to Afghan people so that they will feel much incentives in not producing opium,” Mr. Ban said.
Asked about any specific proposals on cooperation between the UN and Russia and the regional organizations in that area, he noted that Russia has very important role to play in helping Afghan government to meet all this important policies including eradicating drugs. “And I”m going to discuss this matter with the Russian leadership and I”m also going to discuss it with the leaders of the Central Asia, five Central Asian countries, who can also contribute to this” the UN secretary-general noted.
