Kazakhstan participates in 44th session of Subcommission on Illicit Drug Traffic and Related Matters in Near and Middle East

sp;VIENNA-BRUSSELS. November 17. KAZINFORM /Yerzhan Ospanov/The 44th session of the Subcommission on Illicit Drug Traffic and Related Matters in the Near and Middle East has started its work in Vienna on Monday. For the first time the Kazakh delegation headed by Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the International Organizations in Vienna Yerzhan Kazykhanov, who was elected the First Vice President of the 44th session of the Subcommission, took part in the forum.

The head of the Kazakh delegation noted that Kazakhstan realizes seriousness of the drug threat and actively supports activity of international and regional organizations, which is directed to struggle against illegal drug trafficking in the region.

Emphasizing the Kazakh Government's efforts on countering illegal drug trafficking, Ambassador Y.Kazykhanov attracted attention of the forum participants to the Program on combating drug addiction and drug trafficking, which was adopted by the Kazakh Government for 2009-2011. The document foresees allocation of over USD 260 mln for corresponding targets. It was noted that Kazakhstan increases amounts of budgetary provisions directed to struggle against drugs and drug trafficking. It is the best proof of Kazakhstan's adherence to combating illegal drug trafficking.

A special attention was paid to the Afghan problems. The Subcommission was informed that Kazakhstan  as the OSCE chairman in 2010 plans to define the issue of Afghanistan stabilization as one of the important priorities of the Organization.