For information only - not an official document
UNIS/NAR/1150
24 September 2012
My message is clear: Central America confronts violence, our role is to offer assistance, says Head of UN Office of Drugs and Crime
VIENNA/NEW YORK, 24 September (UN Information Service) - After meeting the President of Honduras, Porfirio Lobo Sosa, UNODC Executive Director, Yury Fedotov, expressed his full support for the country's activities against illicit drugs and crime.
In conversation with the President, Mr. Fedotov also reiterated UNODC's support for a revised Central American Security Strategy. He noted that countries cannot confront these issues alone and stressed the need for an integrated approach connecting Central America to other regions, while also promoting regional cooperation.
"Although not all violence in Central America is related to illicit drugs, we cannot forget that Central America is caught between the drug consumption countries in the north and the drug production countries in the south. My message is clear, Central America confronts violence, UNODC's role is to work with Member States to offer increased support and assistance."
On the issue of the interconnected nature of organized crime, Mr. Fedotov said: "We must assess the criminal networks, not only the products they sell. These groups are involved in multiple crimes. Every one of these crimes may well involve violent activities."
During the meeting, Mr. Fedotov also discussed with the President UNODC's commitment to strengthening port and airport security in Honduras through the Global Container Control Programme and AIRCOP. In support of these programmes, UNODC is currently finalizing its Regional Programme for Central America, due to commence in 2013.
The meeting between Mr. Fedotov and the President took place on the margins of the 67th General Assembly. Earlier this year, during a thematic debate at the General Assembly on security in Central America, Mr. Fedotov called on the international community to work closely with the countries of Central America. "If successes are to be achieved, every country, in every region, needs to provide more support," he said.
On 27 September, Mr. Fedotov will be a special guest at the Noon briefing of the Secretary General's Spokesperson in New York to brief the media on UNODC's new threat assessment on Central America. The assessment highlights threats in the region, including cocaine trafficking, the smuggling of migrants and arms, as well as human trafficking.
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For further information please contact:
David Dadge
Spokesperson, UNODC
Telephone: (+43 1) 26060-5629
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-5629
Email: david.dadge[at]unvienna.org
