FIFTH PHASE OF SCAD PROGRAM TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN AZERBAIJAN
Official presentation of the fifth phase of the Southern Caucasus Anti-Drug (SCAD) Program prepared by Azerbaijani government, the EU and the UN Development Program (UNDP) took place on Tuesday in Park-Inn Azerbaijan.
The event brought together officials of Azerbaijani Ministries and Committees, being the members of the State Commission for fighting drug addiction and drug trafficking as well as the representatives of the diplomatic corps.
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Oruj Zalov underlined that prevention of the drug trafficking is possible by joint efforts of the international community. The government of Azerbaijan carries out successive policy to combat against illegal drugs turnover, said Mr. Zalov. He noted that State Commission to fight drug trafficking was created in 1996. SCAD program in Azerbaijan has been carrying out since 2001. Twenty percent of Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenians use as a transit corridor to transport the drug substances to Europe and it is necessary to undertake measures to prevent such actions, added Deputy Minister.
Head of the European Commission in Azerbaijan Alan Wadams and UN resident coordinator Bruno Pouezat underlined that the government of Azerbaijan does every possible to implement SCAD program. They noted that one of the main goals of the fifth phase is to apply EU experience in Azerbaijan and prepare the national strategy.
SCAD program coordinator in Azerbaijan Mazahir Efendiyev noted that the fifth phase, which includes information about drugs and epidemiology, legal assistance, treatment and rehabilitation of the drug addicts and cooperation with media and law-enforcement bodies will be implemented within 24 months.
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