Prishtina, 25 June 2010
Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi has made the opening remarks at a conference on implementing the Anti-Drug Strategy and Action Plan.
The following are the Prime Minister’s remarks.
Honorable EULEX chief Mr. Kermabon,
Honorable head of Supreme Court,
Honorable State Prosecutor,
Honorable ministers, deputy ministers,
Honorable representatives of international organizations and embassies accredited in Kosovo,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a particular pleasure to be here with you today to discuss the issue of preventing drug use in our society. Drug use is rightly considered a global problem; therefore, joint effort and coordination is required to fight this very dangerous phenomenon for mankind.
As Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, I have been firmly determined, since my first day in office, to ensure that our state mechanisms in charge of fighting this issue live up to their responsibility to wage an uncompromising fight against this negative phenomenon.
In this regard, I highly appreciate the good cooperation that exists among our state institutions and international institutions and the valuable contribution of non-governmental organizations.
A direct outcome of this cooperation is the approval of the State Anti-Drug Strategy and Action Plan.
The Government of the Republic of Kosovo will implement all requirements deriving from this strategy with a high level of responsibility, and will also undertake appropriate budgeting for its implementation.
On this occasion, I would like to congratulate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their good coordination of this process, but allow me to also mention other mechanisms involved including the courts, the prosecution, the police and the ministries of education, health and culture.
Our state mechanisms should continue to lead the professional implementation of this strategy and we also appreciate the professional assistance from other parties, be they international or local.
The first results from the implementation of this strategy are already evident, especially when it comes to fighting narcotics trafficking.
There have been many successful cases of criminal groups trafficking narcotics being thwarted.
The work of the prosecution and judiciary is improving towards this end, thanks to our improving capacities in facing this negative phenomenon.
I am convinced that other strategic objectives related to preventing and treating narcotics will be achieved in compliance with the action plan.
Raising awareness on drug use problems in our society requires the continuous commitment of all parties.
A special role in this effort is played by schools and our families. This is another reason why we have invested so much in education in Kosovo.
Nevertheless, addressing this negative phenomenon requires wider regional and international cooperation. And in this context, I would like to congratulate our state mechanisms on the joint initiatives well coordinated with neighboring countries.
In this respect, I except interstate cooperation to advance further and I encourage this cooperation to have a regional, European and even wider character.
The Republic of Kosovo is already a serious factor of interstate cooperation in the field of the rule of law in general and in customs anti-drug activities in particular.
I wish for you to have constructive discussions and, above all, I invite you to step up your efforts and your cooperation in fighting the drug use and trafficking phenomena in our society, in the region and beyond.
Thank you for your attention.
Last modified: July 31, 2022