For information only - not an official document
UNIS/CP/846
2 June 2015
CARTAGENA/VIENNA, 2 June (UN Information Service) - "Today, I held a friendly and constructive meeting with President Santos, which was an opportunity for me to express my warm thanks to him for the strength of the partnership that exists between Colombia and UNODC.
I informed President Santos that UNODC actively supports the comprehensive alternative development strategies in Colombia, which represent the most sustainable approach to overcoming illicit crop cultivation.
During our conversation, I also stressed to the President that UNODC stands ready to continue supporting Colombia in monitoring alternative development, illicit crop monitoring, illicit mining, crime and terrorism prevention.
UNODC will also continue to provide support and assistance for confronting the problem of drug abuse through projects that tackle drug prevention and treatment, as well as HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis.
President Santos was also briefed on the Special Session of the UN General Assembly on the world drug problem (UNGASS), to be held in April 2016.
I informed the President that the preparations had strengthened the dialogue with the scientific community, as well as engagement with young people. The UNGASS 2016 would also help lay the foundations for more effective and positive action, and lead to meaningful progress.
Given the tremendous threat of wildlife and forest crime (WLFC) around the world, I also invited Colombia to join the growing number of countries that are implementing the WLFC Analytic Toolkit.
The toolkit can provide a powerful platform for strengthening law enforcement capacity at the local, national and regional levels."
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For further information, please contact:
David
Dadge
Spokesperson, UNODC
Phone: (+43 1) 26060-5629
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-5629
Email: david.dadge[at]unvienna.org
