DUSHANBE, August 21, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- The Principals’ meeting, presided over by German Ambassador to Tajikistan, Ms. Doris Hertrampf, was held at the UNDP Office in Dushanbe on August 20, according to press service of the Drug Control Agency (DCA).

Ambassadors and representatives of the United Kingdom, China, India, Russia and other countries as well as senior representatives of a number of international organizations active in Tajikistan attended the meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, the DCA director Rustam Nazarov reported on the present drug situation in Tajikistan, measures taken by the government to combat drug trafficking and activities of the Tajik counternarcotics agency and other law enforcement authorities.

Tajik drug control chief called on the meeting participants to take additional measures on further financing of anti-drug programs in the country through the UN projects.

Nazarov expressed gratitude to donors and international organizations that have made significant contribution to strengthening of potential of Tajik law enforcement authorities to combat drug trafficking as well as training of personnel.

The Principals'' Group in Tajikistan is a coordination body of Ambassadors and representatives of donors and International Financial Institutions which participate in regular coordination meetings with a rotating chairperson. The Principals share information with one another on development assistance programs and seek to draw further attention to important issues confronting Tajikistan.