26th Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Minsk

MINSK, 7 July (BelTA) – Belarus-authored resolution on developing timely and effective legislative, regulatory, and administrative measures to counter the emergence of new psychoactive substances has been supported by a majority vote at the 26^th OSCE PA Annual Session in Minsk, BelTA has learned.

“This is a complex issue. We do understand that it will not be easy to work out common operational approaches in this field. We are glad, however, that our resolution has been supported by a majority vote. This shows that the topic is important for all the OSCE member states,” Vice Speaker of Belarus’ House of Representatives Boleslav Pirshtuk said after the resolution was submitted for consideration to the MPs.

The speaker stressed that the number of users of psychoactive substances has doubled over the last two or three years. “The UN and OSCE experts confirm this data. It is difficult to identify and register such substances. While some are being identified, new ones are emerging. We need to be proactive,” he noted.

Boleslav Pirshtuk emphasized Belarus is ready to take an active part in the OSCE activity. “We need to focus on the issues that are specific for Belarus and have a real impact on the country. We would like to be more proactive in the economic dimension. We want to act more effectively in the OSCE and the EU, attract potential investors and new technologies,” the speaker clarified.

He added that Belarus’ participation in the OSCE should be systematic. “We should not work by fits and starts, from session to session. We need a systematic approach to the matters that can have an impact on our actions and their effectiveness in Belarus,” Boleslav Pirshtuk summarized.

The OSCE PA summer session is taking place in Minsk on 5-9 July and is aimed at enhancing mutual trust and cooperation in the name of peace and prosperity in the region. The agenda of the session comprises reports of three general committees: on political affairs and security; on economic affairs, science, technology, and environment; on democracy, human rights, and humanitarian affairs. Resolutions to be adopted as a result of the discussion will become the foundation of the Minsk declaration, which will formulate recommendations for national governments, parliaments, and the international community on responding to pressing challenges and threats.