Aksu: There Is A Direct Connection Between Drug Trafficking And Terrorism

VIENNA - Interior Minister Abdulkadir Aksu said on Wednesday that illegal drug trafficking has a gradually increasing relationship with organized crime and terrorism.
Aksu, who addressed the 46th term meeting of the United Nations Office for Drug Control, pointed out that fight against illegal drug trafficking required a multi-lateral approach.
Stating that drug trafficking, terrorism, cross-border organized crime, money laundering, and weapons smuggling constituted a serious threat, Aksu said, ''illegal drug trafficking has a gradually increasing relationship with organized crime and terrorism.''
Aksu said he welcomed the intention of the UN Office for Drug Control to cover an integrated approach toward issues of drug trafficking, crime and terrorism.
Aksu said, ''Turkey and its neighbors take place in one of the geographies which is mostly effected by drug trafficking and problems caused by this. Our country exerts every kind of efforts to fight against drugs in line with the targets of the political statement. It strengthens ability to implement the laws in this respect, and encourages bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation.''
Aksu said close relation between finance of terrorism and money laundering, drug trafficking and cross border crimes requires rapid intervention of international community. Aksu said, ''implementation of laws and programs in money laundering is very important.''
Aksu also pointed out the illegal opium planting in Afghanistan, and noted that, ''despite the efforts of Afghan authorities in 2002, it is concerning that illegal planting of opium continued in the country widespread. Full support and cooperation of international community is necessary in this respect.''
(AY) 16.04.2003