The Situation in Afghanistan

(excerpt)

We received two briefings this morning - on the overall situation in Afghanistan and on the challenges posed by drug cultivation and trafficking. Mr Costa's excellent briefing was a stark reminder of the inter-relationships between economic, political and security factors contributing to ongoing instability. Addressing the drug economy is a necessary first step in countering a range of illegal activities. The link between drugs, the authority of the central government, its ability to implement key milestones in the Bonn Agreement and broader security, continues to present major challenges. We are very appreciative of the efforts of the UN Office for Drugs and Crime and those member States making significant contributions to drug eradication efforts in Afghanistan.


- Statement by the New Zealand Deputy Permanent Representative, Mr Tim McIvor - United Nations Security Council, 17 June 2003



(now compare progress in eradication since 1990 - oh dear)


Blair Anderson
http://mildgreens.blogspot.com

Drug testing 'as petrol to a fire'

: Drug testing 'as petrol to a fire' - Northland Age, June 5 2003

Testing students for methamphetamine use won’t solve any drug problem at Kaitaia College or anywhere else according to Mild Greens spokesman and former deputy leader of the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party Blair Anderson.

He cited reports of an estimated 60,000 methamphetamine users in New Zealand as clearly demonstrating the reliance on policy that was unable to address the often dysfunctional and violent context of the drug group’s prevalence, let alone the often disproportionate and inequitable risk represented to individuals and communities.