Govor predsednika Državnega sveta mag. Blaža Kavčiča

Pozdravni govor na Sestanku stalnih korespondentov Pompidujeve skupine za boj proti drogam Sveta Evrope
Državni svet, 13. december 2011

Mr Chairman, Excellencies, Distinguished Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure for me to welcome the distinguished guests and participants of the High-level Segment of the 69th Permanent Correspondents Meeting of the Pompidou Group on behalf of the Republic of Slovenia. I would especially like to welcome the distinguished guests and other experts who are here today, and to thank you all for coming to Ljubljana to attend this important meeting upon the invitation extended by the Ministry of Health.

I am particularly honoured to welcome this august assembly as the president of the National Council, the second chamber of the Slovenian Parliament. The National Council is a representative body which is defined in the Constitution as a body that represents social, economic, professional, and local interests. Formed 20 years ago, the National Council has thus far always made it possible for civil society to express its needs and preferences, submit legislative proposals and influence the contents of laws and, consequently, their implementation in specific circumstances. The role of civil society is highly important, since it is generally this entity that advocates the evolution of society in all directions, either for the benefit of all its people or at least the vast majority. In so doing, it therefore also stands for the preservation of social diversity, a precondition for social cohesion, peace, co-existence and cooperation.

Illicit drugs are one of those areas in which civil society's activities and initiatives are particularly evident. In considering the issue of illicit drugs, the National Council follows the vision of the Slovenian two-chamber system so as to maintain the role of the link between the legislative branch of power and civil society. Moreover, in discussions related to the relevant legislation, it also takes account of the initiatives put forward by a number of experts, particularly in terms of sensitivity to the issue of human rights.  

The Delegation of the Republic of Slovenia would like to thank the presidency of the French Pompidou Group and the Secretariat for its cooperation and valuable assistance in preparing this important event.

In the Political Declaration adopted at the 15th Ministerial Conference of the Pompidou Group (PG), the Ministers decided to strengthen the constructive dialogue and cooperation with those countries that are not members of the PG, both within Europe and its neighbouring countries, and to consolidate the membership of the PG, particularly through the active participation of all Member States, in order to ensure the effective implementation of the 2011–2014 Work Programme.

This meeting offers an opportunity to present views, reconfirm our common goals, enhance convergence and bind us to conduct effective and coordinated multidisciplinary and evidence-based national and international activities in the field of drugs.

In its 40 years of work, the Pompidou Group has developed a rather unique model of open communication and cooperation in the field of drugs in Europe. This model has led to the elaboration of the new Work Programme 2011–2014, which further encourages the networking of different expert profiles and is fundamentally supported by the establishment of two key umbrella expert groups – for human rights and for research.

Acknowledging the negative role that poverty, social exclusion and a lack of prospects may play with regard to increased drug abuse, Slovenia supports all scientifically proven initiatives, emphasising that all these initiatives should be fully consistent with the dignity and human rights of those suffering from drug addiction. Human rights should therefore be the cornerstone of every drug policy. This ideal is even more important at a time when the leaders of Europe are working together to steer the continent through a time of economic crisis.

Slovenia has focused and will continue to focus on the strengthening and preservation of cooperation in the area of drugs with South Eastern European countries. Slovenia has established a Bilateral Technical Assistance Programme for the countries in the region. One of its main priorities is the implementation of measures for the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking. In this context, we are looking forward to a fruitful cooperation with the extended membership of the Pompidou group and we warmly welcome all the group's new members.

Slovenia supports an open door policy for the new members of the Pompidou Group that work in accordance with the group's principles and goals. Due to the global nature of the drug problem, we also support cooperation with countries outside the Council of Europe.

The Delegation of the Republic of Slovenia supports the proposed text of the political declaration and assures that it will fully cooperate in its implementation. We also support the possibility of setting up an expert group on drug policy in South-East Europe to facilitate the implementation of such cooperation. For this purpose, Slovenia has assured it will contribute financially to the Pompidou Group for its activities in the region.

I wish you great success in your work!

Thank you, Mr Chairman

Sestanek stalnih korespondentov Pompidujeve skupine za boj proti drogam Sveta Evrope