The Government and people of Vietnam have given special attention to combating drug trafficking and illegal use of narcotics
ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENTS BY MR. LE DZUNG, THE SPOKESMAN
OF THE VIETNAMESE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ON 21th SEPTEMBER 2005
Question from AFP's correspondent: Please advice Vietnam's reaction to the decision of President George Bush to remove Vietnam from the US list of major illicit drug-producing and drug-transit countries?
Answer:Fully aware of the grave danger of narcotics, the Government and people of Vietnam have given special attention to combating drug trafficking and illegal use of narcotics. Implementing the Counter-Narcotics Law that came into effect from June 1st, 2001, the Government has set forth a Counternarcotics Plan of Action for 2001-2005. Numerous effective measures have been taken over the past years, including raising awareness through counter-narcotics education, conducting detoxification, combating drug-related crimes, eradicating opium cultivation by replacing it with substitute crops and implementing socio-economic development programs in these localities'.
Vietnam has actively co-operated with other countries and international organizations in the region and the world, joining the common efforts of the world community in the combat against illicit narcotics.
Vietnam and the United States signed a Letter of Agreement on Counternarcotics Cooperation in December 2003 and the current cooperation in this area continues undergoing fine developments. The U.S has supported Vietnam through projects designed to enhance capacity and experience in the combat against illicit narcotics. We welcome the removal of Vietnam from the U.S list of major illicit drug producing and drug-transit countries by President Bush. This testifies to the results of the enhanced cooperation between the two countries.
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