SCAD's pilot NGO projects report on the final results

Baku, May 12 2006 - "Eliza" conference hall of Baku Entertainment Center hosted today a conference devoted to the final results of pilot projects implemented within the framework of NGO Networking project of South Caucasus Anti-Drug (SCAD) Programme, a joint regional initiative of the EU, UNDP and the Government of Azerbaijan. Recommendations elaborated by project experts to the international organizations, state institutions and relevant NGOs were voiced at the conference.

In his opening speech Mr. Mezahir Efendiyev, Chief of the Law Enforcement Unit of UNDP Office in Azerbaijan briefed on the objectives of the conference and the latest developments in the country in the field of drug control including the fight against smuggling and drug abuse. He stressed that the respective law ratified by the Parliament of Azerbaijan last year enables seizure of illegal drugs as well as controlling legal circulation of drugs. Speaking on drug control activities, he announced while only 2-3% of illicit drugs were confiscated in 2001, the percentage of seizure has grown lately up to 15%.

Head of the Working Group of State Anti-Drug Commission Mr. Israfil Aliyev, President of the National NGO Forum and Member of the Parliament Mr. Azay Guliyev, and Europa House Coordinator in Azerbaijan Mr. Wolfgang Sporrer underlined the important role of the NGO sector in raising awareness about the drug problem and highly assessed the activity of the Network.

NGO Networking Project Manager Mr. Tural Ismayilov made a presentation on the results of pilot projects delivering the recommendations of project experts to the participants.

The conference was continued with the discussions over the recommendations.

The event was attended by the representatives of the government structures, members of the State Anti-Drug Commission, foreign embassies accredited in the Republic of Azerbaijan, international organizations and local non - governmental organizations.

For more information:
Mr. Tural Ismayilov
NGO Networking Project Manager
Tel: 598-06-55