Tehran CICA Experts Meeting Press Release

A Specialized Experts Meeting of CICA for considering the Concept Paper on cooperation among CICA Member States in combating Illicit Drug Trafficking was held on 22-23 December 2007 at Drug Control Headquarters, Tehran - Islamic Republic of Iran. This was the first Specialized Experts Meeting of CICA outside Kazakhstan. The Meeting was chaired by Mr. Mahmoud Bayat, Director General for International Relations Office of Drug Control Headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran and moderated by Mr. Kurtulus Aykan, Deputy Executive Director of CICA.

The main objective of the Meeting was to discuss and finalize the draft of the "Concept Paper" on combating Illicit Drug Trafficking in the CICA region. Dr. Mohammad Reza Jahani, First Deputy of DCHQ Secretary General of the Islamic Republic of Iran opened the meeting by welcoming the all participants and elaborating Iran's national strategy in demand and supply reduction of illicit drugs and its achievements. Dr. Jahani also referred to the issue of rise in opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan and increase in drug trafficking networks in the CICA region and elsewhere in the world.

The meeting was attended by delegates from ten Member States, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Palestine, Russia, Thailand, Turkey and UNODC Office in Tehran as the guest of the Chairman.

During the Meeting, delegates expressed strong concern over increasing narcotic drug production in Afghanistan, money laundering, psychotropic and synthetic drugs, narcotic drugs and precursors trafficking as well as related crimes which pose serious threat to the security of the region and its profoundly negative impact on political, social, economic and cultural life in the CICA region and rest of the world. The Participants in the Meeting also expressed their willingness to coordinate their efforts to fight with this multifaceted menace.

The delegates emphasized the need for the regional and international cooperation in the CICA region as an essential element to combat illicit narcotic drug production and drug trafficking and related crimes as well as promotion of joint global actions to have the impact on drug control.

The delegates considered necessity of establishing a database aimed at timely exchange of information and experiences on illicit drug trafficking routes and networks; holding training workshops; and applying modern technology on drug detection.

At the Meeting, the Member States were requested to nominate respective focal points to facilitate direct contact for effective coordination and cooperation.

The Participants in the Specialized Experts Meeting express their gratitude and appreciation to the Islamic Republic of Iran, as the Coordinating Country for warm hospitality and excellent organization of the Meeting.

Tehran, December 23, 2007