Commend Iran's work against drug smuggling

One reason IRNA is on my regular reading list is that I learn information that does not make the mainstream western press, such as their steady dedication in the war on drugs and drug smuggling. People who know me know that I consider drug production, usage and addiction to be a dire plague that has significantly diminished the accomplishments and nobility of human beings overall. Thus I am always watchful of the great progress of all who genuinely combat this grievous problem and have noticed Iran's steadfastness. Here is an example of news that does not make much of the biased "drive by" mainstream media.

http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-17/0811202934181315.htm

Iran, Afghanistan and the UN Mission in Kabul on Thursday held first tripartite meeting on measures to counter drug trafficking from Afghanistan.

UN Secretary-General Special Representative for Afghanistan Kai Eide, Iran's Ambassador to Kabul Fada-Hossein Maleki and Afghan Minister of Counter Narcotics General Khodaidad attended the meeting.

Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting to IRNA, Maleki underlined the significance of cooperation in fighting narcotics and called for avoiding political approach in dealing with the phenomenon.

Unfortunately, narcotics threaten families in various societies, he said, urging regional and international cooperation to seriously deal with the dilemma.

Given Afghan's complicated situation, countering narcotics has been marginalized, he said, stressing that it should be placed at the center of attention by all countries.

Fighting narcotics is not the duty of Afghanistan alone, rather international community should provide it with necessary equipment to Afghanistan to deal with the problem, Maleki said.

Meanwhile, Afghan minister said that Iran has set up 25 checkpoints on the borders and provided them with necessary equipment to counter drug trafficking.

Stating that Iran has many experience in the field and treatment of the addicts, Khodaidad said that an agreement already signed between the two countries on campaign against illicit drugs is still in force.

Afghanistan is determined to promote cooperation with neighboring countries and NATO to prevent poppy cultivation and drug trafficking, he said.