Pubdate: Tue, 25 Aug 2015
Source: Straits Times (Singapore)
Copyright: 2015 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd.
Contact:  http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/429
Author: Ng Huiwen

BE FIRM IN WAR ON DRUGS, ASEAN TOLD

Asean countries must continue to take a hard stance against drugs, 
even as societies in Europe, South America and the United States take 
a more liberal approach, Second Minister for Home Affairs and Foreign 
Affairs Masagos Zulkifli said yesterday .

"They have begun decriminalising or even legalising drug consumption 
and have framed the fight against drugs as a 'failed war'," he told 
more than 100 delegates at the opening of the 36th Asean Senior 
Officials' Meeting on Drug Matters.

While these countries may have their reasons for doing so, such as to 
increase tax revenue or reduce prison overcrowding, he asked for the 
region to "stand together to say that this approach is not for us".

"It reaffirms our commitment to give our children the right to live 
and thrive in a drug-free environment and sends a strong message to 
international drug syndicates that Asean will work together to 
disrupt their illicit activities," he said.

Hosted by Singapore this year, the meeting allows officials from the 
10 Asean nations to promote regional cooperation through discussions 
on key challenges in the drug situation in South-east Asia.

In his speech, Mr Masagos praised regional efforts to tackle drug 
trafficking, such as through the Asean Airport Interdiction Task 
Force and the Asean Narcotics Coordination Centre.

But more work remains to be done, especially ahead of the United 
Nations General Assembly Special Session on the World Drug Problem 
next year, where countries may continue the push for more liberal 
drug policies, he cautioned.

"This harms the future of our nations, our youth and runs counter to 
our vision of a DrugFree Asean," said Mr Masagos, who is also 
Minister in the Prime Minister's Office.

In his keynote address, Deputy Secretary-General of Asean 
Political-Security Community V.P. Hirubalan highlighted the need to 
explore novel methods in addressing these "continuing and serious" challenges.

Singapore is also attending the Regional Conference on Enhancing 
Cooperation on Border Management in Asean held in Bangkok this week.

The conference will discuss emerging crime trends such as drug 
smuggling and trafficking.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom