Russian and Central Asian leaders urge fight against drugs
09:45, 31 July 2009
DUSHANBE. July 31. KAZINFORM The Russian, Tajik, Afghan and Pakistani presidents called on the international community on Thursday to take additional steps to fight drug trafficking; Kazinform cites RIA Novosti.
During their meeting in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe, the leaders also appealed to the World Bank to assist regional economic projects.
According to estimates, about 90% of heroin consumed in Russia is trafficked from Afghanistan via ex-Soviet states, mostly Central Asian countries.
The leaders also underlined the importance of developing economic and regional trade ties to boost the development of the region and attract foreign investment.
"Most of the chemicals for heroin production in Afghanistan come from the Pakistani border," Muhammad Omar Ayar, Afghan vice-minister for refugees, said at a "Peace and stability in Afghanistan" roundtable at RIA Novosti; Kazinform refers t o RIA Novosti.
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