CRIME AND DRUGS DISCUSSED AT UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 000879

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR INL, IO/T; WHITE HOUSE FOR ONDCP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR UNGA XF XR XC
SUBJECT: CRIME AND DRUGS DISCUSSED AT UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY


1. (U) Summary: In an Oct.10-11 discussion in the "crime and
drugs" segment of the Third Committee of the UN General
Assembly (agenda items 106 and 107),speakers outlined
current problems and their individual advances in combating
crime, corruption and drug trafficking and abuse. Speaking
for the United States, INL DAS Christy McCampbell praised
advances in Colombia, Mexico and Afghanistan, but stressed
the need for intensifying efforts to eradicate opium
production in Afghanistan. She also expressed concern over
coca cultivation in the Andean region and increased
trafficking of methamphetamines and controlled
pharmaceuticals.(DAS McCampbell's statement is available
at WWW.usunnewyork.usmission.gov/press releases/20071010 235.html)
End summary.


2. (U) Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director of the UN
Office on Drugs and Crime, opened the session with a
statement outlining UNODC's work in the areas of illicit
drugs, human trafficking, corruption, and terrorism. He
described the links between drug control, crime deterrence
and terrorism prevention and economic and social development.
He stated that UNODC operates with limited resources and
requested that the UN members be generous when adopting the
UNODC budget. In response to a question on the death penalty,
Costa misrepresented his personal views in opposition to the
death penalty as UN policy, eliciting criticism from several
delegations.


3. (U) Several nations (Iran, Burma, India, Kazakhstan on
behalf of CIS, and Russia) pointed to the increase in opium
production in Afghanistan as a security threat. Iran and
Burma noted that the presence of Coalition Forces has not
decreased opium production. Iran accused the Coalition
Forces of "indifference and apathy" to the opium problem.
Burma stated that despite billions of USD spent in
Afghanistan, opium production increased, while Burma, without
any financial support from the US, has dramatically reduced
opium production.


4. (U) Bolivia emphasized the value of the coca plant to
Bolivian culture and stressed Bolivia's policy of "Coca Yes,
Cocaine No." The Bolivian delegate criticized the Zero Coca
policy imposed by "one of the largest consumers of cocaine"
for its damage to health and the environment and its lack of
funding for alternative crops. Both Bolivia and Venezuela
called for demand reduction.


5. (U) Cuba used the opportunity to criticize the US in many
policy areas, such as drug enforcement, immigration, the
fight against terrorism and the embargo. The Cuban
representative said the US has rejected Cuba's attempts to
work bilaterally on crime and drug issues.


6. (U) Jamaica, for CARICOM, expressed concern over the
practice of criminal deportation and the destabilizing effect
it has on receiving countries. CARICOM also suggested that
voluntary funding is insufficient to finance the work of the
UN Office on Drugs and Crime. India agreed, calling for
increased allocation from the regular UN budget.


7. (U)The Israeli representative stated, "Political
differences with our neighbors cannot be allowed to undermine
the common interest in security surrounding drug control."
Lebanon requested a right of reply, stating that occupation,
not political differences, are hindering cooperation. "When
they leave our lands, we will cooperate." The Lebanese then
quoted several documents, including a 2003 Department of
State report, which described drug trafficking problems in
Israel.
KHALILZAD