"Drug abuse and illicit trafficking in drugs are amongst the greatest threats to mankind today. When abused, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances become a force of evil and destroy the lives of thousands of individuals and jeopardise the security and stability of nations. Drug addiction and illicit trafficking continue to spread worldwide and almost every country in the world suffers a broad range of tragic consequences from drug abuse. It is imperative that we take prompt and decisive actions to eliminate drug abuse and illicit trafficking from within our midst. For the campaign to be really successful it will require global action and the cooperation of all countries to coordinate a comprehensive strategy to eliminate this deadly menace. All countries will have to close rank and work together. The war against drugs has to be a total war. Many countries have come to realise this as borne by their presence at the International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (ICDAIT) held in Vienna last June. ICDAIT has brought together 138 nations and 173 specialised agencies and non-governmental organisations, determined to commit themselves to reducing and eventually eradicating drug abuse and illicit trafficking. ICDAIT agreed that vigorous and cohesive action by all governments and international organisations was required on all fronts to attain this goal. The Declaration adopted by the Conference is a clear expression of our collective political will and commitment to respond to the drug menace. It underlines a shared responsibility to provide appropriate response and resources to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking. This Declaration also provides strong encouragement to all countries to reinforce and give priority to the anti-drug drive. Subsequent to ICDAIT, I am happy to note that many countries are becoming more serious in their efforts to reduce the production, supply of and demand for drugs and to curb illicit trafficking, both at national and international levels."