Iranian President’s Advisor Calls for Regional Cooperation in Fighting Drug Trafficking

May 7 2007: Tehran

Presidential Advisor and Head of Iran's Drugs Campaign Headquarters Esmaeel Ahmadi-Moqaddan called for cooperation among Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve the problem of drug trafficking in the region.

According to the Public Relation Department of the headquarters, Ahmadi-Moqaddam made the remarks in a meeting with the envoy of the United Nations Organization on Drug Campaign (UNODC) in Iran, adding that Tehran has developed a comprehensive plan on campaign against drug trafficking.

The plan includes all aspects of campaign, prevention and treatment, he said, adding that Iran makes efforts to have people feel the noticeable outcome of the comprehensive plan.

Expressing concern over the increase of drug cultivation in Afghanistan, he noted that Iran observes religious, moral and humanistic aspects of drug trafficking and strictly confronts the agents of the act, because it is not the problem of one country, but regional and international cooperation is needed to fight it.

Ahmadi-Moqaddam also said that others may think Iran has a police approach in this respect, but the country pursues its comprehensive plan to fight the problem.

Roberto Arbitrio, for his part, said, "I have witnessed extensive efforts by Iranians to fight drug trafficking and transition in borders.

According to the UNODC envoy, Iran has suffered irretrievable damage to fight drug trafficking, and it is obvious that the country can play an effective role in regional issues regarding its experiences and glorious background.

Link: Islamic Republic News Agency