Mr. Chairman,

With regard to the agenda item 2 we would like to draw the attention of the Preparatory Body for the Special Session on the following specific issues:

- We think that monitoring new substances in order to prohibit their diffusion and illegal trafficking is an ineffective measure which might reveal to be counterproductive. The problem of legal prohibition, which has brought to the proliferation of new and more harmful substances and to higher profits of the organised crime, needs to be addressed;

- We run the serious risk to limit our discussion on substances, once again not considering problems which individuals are facing while taking illegal drugs. As a matter of fact, consumers have presently no control on the quality of these substances, therefore exposing themselves and the broader community to major health and social risks.

- We believe that new strategies need to be explored, including the possibility of pilot experiments of legalising the personal use of ATS, at the same time providing consumers with extensive information and education on harm reduction.

- We are aware of the fact that such a proposal cannot outfit a more global discussion about the goals and results of current policies, which may hopefully take place on the occasion of the special session of the General Assembly.

Thank you Mr. Chairman