Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Drug control is a fierce battle in Vietnam that concerns all society, says Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Phan Thuy Thanh.

Though Vietnam is a developing country with limited financial resources, it gives high priority to the struggle against drugs.

"The government has established a National Committee for Drug Control under the direct chairmanship of a deputy prime minister," she says.

"The 10th National Assembly passed the Drug Control Law at its eighth session on December 5, 2000, which will become effective from April 1, 2001."

Ms Thanh, who was briefing foreign reporters on March 2 in response to their questions about the US government's recognition of Vietnam's anti-drug effort, says: "by its own effort and with international assistance, Vietnam has scored considerable achievements in drug control."

"The country has virtually eliminated opium poppy cultivation and is making efforts to stop replanting by minority groups who are still influenced by their own customs."

The spokeswoman also listed Vietnam's achievements in rehabilitating drug addicts, despite the difficulties.

She says the country now boasts almost 60 detoxification and rehabilitation centres and these have helped reduce the number of addicts by between 20% and 25% each year.

All proven effective forms of detoxification have been used. Also the enforcement of relevant law and the struggle against drug crime has been making satisfactory progress.

Vietnam has been fully engaged in the international drug-control effort and has signed all three international Conventions on this fight.

Vietnam has also co-operated with many countries and international organisations, especially the United Nations Drug Control Programme, UNDCP, while actively participating in regional programmes for drug control and joining members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, to strive for a Drug-free ASEAN by 2015 goal. (VNA)