Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 6277th meeting, 24 Feb. 2010, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "Threats to international peace and security"]

Notes with concern the serious threats posed in some cases by drug trafficking and transnational organized crime to international security and the increasing link between drug trafficking and the financing of terrorism; notes that these transnational crimes may threaten the security of countries on its agenda and undermine the authority of states; notes that organized crime groups and networks are becoming more diversified and connected in their illicit operations; calls upon Member States to increase international and regional cooperation, as well as their cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Narcotic Control Board; encourages the coordination of UN actions in order to enhance the effectiveness of appropriate international efforts; reaffirms and commends the important work of UNODC in collaboration with other relevant entities of the UN; encourages States to strengthen international, regional and sub-regional cooperation to counter drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, terrorism and corruption and to investigate and prosecute persons and entities responsible for these crimes consistent with international law; expresses its concern about the number of victims caused by acts of terrorism; invites the Secretary-General to consider these threats as a factor in conflict prevention strategies, conflict analysis, integrated missions' assessment and planning and to consider including in his reports analysis on the role played by these threats in situations on its agenda.

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