U.N. OBSERVES INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING

The United Nations on June 26, 1998 observed the international day against
drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

Secretary General Kofi Annan, in a message he delivered commemorating the
occasion said, "This year, the theme for international day against drug
abuse and illicit trafficking is a call to unite the world's youth. As we
work towards the United Nations goal of creating a drug-free world in the
twenty-first century, it is young people who hold the key."

Mr. Pino Arlacchi, Executive Director of the United Nations Drug Control
Program (UNDCP) also delivered a message in connection with the Day.

He said, "Many young people know too early in their lives that drug abuse
is a real problem. Some have classmates in school who experiment with
drugs, others have family members who struggle with addiction. It is
unfair. Childhood should be a time to dream about all the wonderful
tomorrow."

Earlier this month, political leaders met in New York for the General
Assembly Special Session on countering the world drug problem. They made a
commitment to mobilizing their governments and civil societies towards
eliminating or reducing significantly both the supply and consumption of
illegal drugs by the year 2008.