Havana, 13th December, 1996

DECLARATION OF THE ACS ON THE DRUG PROBLEM

We are gravely concerned by the fact that, despite efforts at both bilateral and multilateral levels and the continuing determined action of all our governments, the scourge of illicit production, consumption and trafficking in drugs remains a serious threat to our societies.

The drug menace and its related crimes, such as arms smuggling, the illicit movement of assets and money laundering, endangers the sovereignity and security of any State.

Member States and Associate Members of the ACS therefore commit their redoubled efforts to combatting this threat. We consider it essential to strengthen multilateral actions which focus equally on demand reduction and illicit trafficking, as well as urgent actions to combat the menace in all its aspects.

The Ministerial Council, therefore, looks forward to the convening of the U.N. Special General Assembly Session on Drugs in 1998. In view of the urgency of solutions for our region, we also support the proposal of the Prime Minister of Jamaica for the convening of a Hemispheric Conference in 1997, to further advance the joint fight against illicit drugs and all its related crimes.