NEWS RELEASES

February 7, 2000 (4:25 p.m. EST) No. 18

SECRETARY OF STATE KILGOUR TO ATTEND INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL SUMMIT IN WASHINGTON

Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) David Kilgour will attend the International Drug Control Summit being held in Washington on February 8 and 9. Organized by the U.S. Congress and the United Nations International Drug Control Program (UNDCP), this annual meeting brings together parliamentarians and senior officials from the United States, the European Community, Japan and Canada to review global efforts to confront the harm caused by the abuse of, and trafficking in, illicit drugs.

"The threat posed by illicit drugs will not be countered with simplistic solutions. We must address both supply and demand," said Kilgour. "The range of issues to be addressed at this meeting reflects this balanced approach."

Participants will examine the role of parliamentarians in developing national and international responses to the threat of illicit drugs. They will consider all aspects of the problem including measures to promote reduction in demand, improve law enforcement and counter money laundering. They will also review progress in developing alternative economic activities to replace the cultivation and production of narcotic drugs with special attention paid to the work of the UNDCP. A particular focus of the summit will be placed on the situations in Latin America and Central Asia.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Tasha Stefanis

Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa)

(613) 992-9404

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874