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Japan National Statement to HLM

‘At the outset allow me to highly recommend Vice Prime Minister of Namibia for her readership and to express my appreciations for the contributions by the UNODC and INCB to this HLM of CND which allows us the opportunity to conduct a review of targets set at special session of UNGASS 1998. As you know, in spite of efforts over the last 10 years to combat illicit drugs, there are still many problems to be solved such as spread of opium from Afganistan. The dififusion of cannabis continaing high levels of thc and the distribution of drugs through Africa. These problems pose a severe threat to all human beings. Japan having given high priority to anti drug measures in our drug policy has supported other countries over the last decade. One focus has been on the golden triangle, over the past decade the cultivation area has been reduced by 80%. Japan believes its alternative development programme has significantly contributed to this success. Furthermore, Japan has conducted a national drug strategy every year and implemented measures. As a result japan has one of the lowest prevalence rates of drug abuse in the world. Last year incb highly praised our actions. Madame chairperson i would like to stress the need of the international community to accept the principles of shared responsibility. There are different aspects of drug control, consumers, producers and traffickers. Each country may set different priorities but no country can afford to be indifferent to these problems. In the first place, every country must stress domestic counter measures in response to the drug problem. Drug producing countries should construct alternative development and drug consuming countries should look to prevention and trafficking countries should focus on law enforcement. At the same time it is crucial for donor countries to provide assistance to affected countries by taking advantage of their experience and expertise. As a drug consuming country japan will continue to promote drug prevention and promote international cooperation. Japan first will strengthen support for rural and agricultural development assistance as a means for alternative development generating activities, as we are doing in afganistan. Secondly, japan has accumulated experience of combating drugs since 2nd world war and has for many years assured that effective controls in are place – japan is willing to further extend its cooperation internationally in this area. Japan would like to share our policy of drug prevention – which is absolute zero tolerance of drug abuse and to achieve the goal of eradicating drug abuse from the world. I wish to express my strong and sincere desire to reaffirm the concept of shared responsibility, to initiate a concrete action plan for eradicating drug abuse and we need the will to implement this plan. All nations, consuming, producing, transit, should accept share of responsibility and work together to counter this global problem. I give my pledge that Japan will continue to lead international efforts to carry out the strategy that we agree in this session.’

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