opiumiran

On our eastern border, Afghanistan has posed severe problems through using our nation as a portal country for opium trade with Europe. On the 8 th of May, 2008, a trilateral meeting with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran in was held in Tehran to form Border Liaison Offices ( [] ). These offices would be established for the purpose of trans-boarder cooperation. The difficulty, as explained by Director Antonio Maria Costa, is that the borders are not as secure as needed. In addition to that, in a resolution unanimously agreed upon on March 23, the Security Council urged the international community and the Afghan Government to better enforce the Afghanistan Compact. The Afghanistan Compact is a five year United Nation supported outline which sets standards for specific security, development, and government objectives. ([]) In 2001, the utilization of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) suggested a six-month deployment of troops into Afghanistan to assist in achieving a convention held by the UNODC earlier, regarding the restriction on the production of opium. This plan from the United Nations made Taliban forces and other opposing forces’ opinion that poppy fields are necessary for financial means, invalid. In 2003, the UNODC created the Paris Pact, which is a partnership of more than sixty nations whose goal is to combat Afghan opiates who, in the Middle East territories, are responsible for drug trafficking. It also focuses on enforcing over-the-counter narcotic regulations. The United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime brokered the “Triangular Initiative,” which works together with the Paris Pact. The Triangular Iniative was established to increase trans-border cooperation between Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan in the prevention of opium trafficking ( [] ). The UNODC’s Convention Against the Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substances makes sure that established regulations and laws are followed by enforcing punishments for breaking these laws and regulations. The United Nations has made great strides in assisting Afghanistan with economic stability. Iran deeply supports the strengthening of Border Liaison Offices through greater funding by the UNODC for technical support and training of boarder officers. In a process of ten years, Iran is said to increase control and wishes to eventually eliminate the drug trade from Afghanistan through and to Iran, and then onto other countries. A possible solution is for Iran to work with Pakistan to close off borders and increase security at border checkpoints. By doing this, it would be much harder a task for drug traders to sell the opium to buyers in other countries. Furthermore, travelers going through the country of Iran will need a license to pass throughout the borders so Iran is positive that absolutely no drugs are being illegally traded throughout Iran and the surrounding areas. A database consisting of known drug traders will be made to ensure that they do not enter Iran or any surrounding countries.
 * Country Policy **
 * UN Actions **
 * Solutions **