Preliminary draft statement by Mrs. Ingjerd Schou, Minister of Social Affairs, atLund,Sweden,24 September 2003.

Mr. Chairman, Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I commend you, Mr. Chairman, on your initiative to organize and host this second Nordic-Baltric Ministerial Meeting on Cooperation on Drug Abuse Control.

The Norwegian Government in December last year launched a three year`s comprehensive, multisectorial strategy and action plan on alcohol and drug abuse problems; the overall objective being to achieve a significant reduction of the social and health-related harm caused by substance abuse. We are pursuing a drug and alcohol policy which will be more effective in preventing substance abuse problems from arising in the first place, and which will ensure not only effective treatment of the abusers but also good rehabilitation and adequate harm reduction. Norway regards treatment of drug abusers and invocation of harm reduction measures, not as contravening, but as complementary elements of the same strategy. It is my firm belief that also the most hard-core drug addicts deserve a helping hand from society even if they are not willing or capable, themselves, of taking steps towards treatment and solving of their personal problems. It is important, in my view, that we in our dealings with substance abusers at all levels, stand firm on the principle that human dignity should not be violated and that a wide range of services must be available to meet their different individual needs. The Norwegian Government resists any legalization of illicit drugs, including cannabis. The alcohol and drugs policy forms one important part of our broader welfare policy, which inter alia also comprises spesial action plans to combat poverty and to strengthen child welfare and mental health services.

We are all seriously affected by the drug abuse problems. They require not only national, global and regional attention but subregional attention and cooperation as well. The Nordic cooperation in this field dates back to 1970. It is on high time to expand this kind of cooperation to also comprise the Baltic States.

As of 1 May 2004 Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are becoming members of the European Union. EU enlargement is creating a need for a systematic review of the ties between Norway and the candidate countries with a view to a more systematic utilization of the contacts that have already been formed through bilateral and multilateral channels. In this context the Norwegian Government in 2001 launched A Plan of Action for increasing contact and cooperation between Norway and the candidate countries.

Norway, as you all know, is neither a member of the EU nor a candidate country, but has since 1994 participated in the internal marked through the EEA Agreement. The EEA will form the basis for the economic relations between the candidate countries and Norway. In practical terms this means that the four freedoms will apply. The purpose of the Plan of Action is to cooperate with the candidate countries in their preparation for EU membership and participation in the EEA. An additional aim is to create a platform for broader and closer contacts between Norway and the candidate countries. Under the Plan of Action Norway finances cooperation projects in selected areas. Great emphasis is being placed on strategically important sectors such as environment, health, education, children and youth and crime prevention.The drug abuse problems have serious impacts on all these sectors.

Norway shares the EU’s interest in developing close, effective cooperation with the candidate countries in the areas of law, justice and home affairs, and police collaboration. Full implementation and enforcement of Community legislation in these areas is essential for building the mutual confidence between the parties that is required. In the field of justice and home affairs, Norway and the candidate countries cooperate on the implementation and enforcement of the Schengen rules. The new member countries will also be responsible for controlling external borders on behalf of Norway. Some of the problems this poses for the candidate countries are assured of technical assistance and expertise necessary. A number of the candidate countries have expressed a desire to cooperate with Norway in this area. The EU has also pointed out that a number of these countries have no specific plans for combating drugs. Some of them have also become known as hubs of organized crime, particularly drug-related crime. And where drugs are available, it is not only necessary to combat drug related crime. Prevention and rehabilitation is also needed. Hopefully Norway can contribute in this field as well.

Health is another priority area. Norway plays a central role in the efforts under the auspices of the Baltic Sea cooperation to combat communicable diseases in the Baltic Sea region. Norway is already involved in combating diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis through the participation in the Task Force on Communicable Disease Control. Cooperation with other actors and international organizations such as WHO and the EU’s action programme for improving public health are important aspects of Norway’s national measures and should also influence project development in this area.

And Norway, as well as the Baltic States are partners in and prioritize the Northern Dimension Partnership in Public Health and Social Wellbeing. Norway is looking forward to hosting the high level conference later this year where intentionally a programme for the Northern Dimension will be signed. One of the main purposes for the Partnership is to ensure cooperation and to avoid duplication.

Expanding our already existing cooperation to the area of drug abuse control is a matter of high importance. Norway endorses the draft letter of intent which is before us today, and I thrust it will form a solid basis for concrete cooperation in the years to come.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman