M'SIA, IRAN MOVE TO COMBAT DRUGS SCOURGE

BY MUIN ABDUL MAJID

TEHRAN, Dec 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Iran are forming a joint working
committee as they forge a cooperation in the field of combating the illicit
production, trafficking and abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

This was contained in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) inked here
Tuesday in conjunction with Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad
Badawi's four-day visit to Iran.

Under the MoU, Malaysia's Home Ministry, in particular the National
Anti-Drugs Agency, and Iran's Drug Control Headquarters will cooperate to reduce
the supply and demand of drugs and take joint measures to eliminate illicit
drugs supply resources.

Furthermore, they will collaborate to suppress illicit drugs production and
trafficking as well as undertake coordinated cooperation in the international
arena.

The MoU was signed by Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar for
Malaysia while Iran was represented by his counterpart, Sadeq
Mahsouli.

Tasked with facilitating the implementation of the MoU, the joint
working
committee is to identify and develop activities and programmes within the
framework of the document as well as review the effectiveness of joint
efforts.

The committee will meet once every two years in Malaysia and Iran on a
rotational basis.

Under the MoU, the relevant parties will share experience and information
on wide-ranging areas, such as the methods of search and seizure of concealed
illicit drugs, law enforcement as well as treatment and rehabilitation
issues.

They will also do this with regard to the methods and modus operandi used
by drug traffickers as well as drug-related money laundering.

In addition, the MoU stipulates that the relevant parties are to share
notes on legislation and judicial practice in the field of combating illicit
drugs trafficking. Malaysia and Iran also agreed to strengthen, promote and
develop science and technology cooperation, an endeavour outlined in another
MoU.


The document, among others, calls for both parties to encourage and promote
cooperation in joint research, development and design projects, including
mutual exchange of research findings, scientific and technical information and
documentation.

Foreign Minister Dr Rais and Iranian Deputy Science and
Technology Minister Vaez Zaden inked the MoU for their respective countries.

The two countries will exhange scientists, specialists and researchers
participating in the execution of joint projects besides cooperating in terms
of promoting joint scientific conferences, seminars and exhibitions.

-- BERNAMA