UN General Assembly
1996

to the free movement of goods, capital, services and labour. Entirely new areas are now linked by transportation lines, and the groundwork is being laid for long-term, comprehensive efforts to ensure the sustainable development of the Central Asian region. We, the newly independent States, are rapidly becoming involved in the globalization process of the world economy; we are deriving clear benefits from this as well as significant damage and losses. Alongside the liberalization of trade and the opening of State borders, our fragile economies are being affected by transnational organized crime, including drug trafficking. Drug dealers are corrupting State institutions and are eroding the basis of our young statehood. Drug trafficking and arms trade are flourishing in conflict areas. It is evident that powerful international criminal forces, which are reaping profits from this, are interested in the continuation and exacerbation of conflicts in Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Drugs have a destructive effect on weak and powerful countries alike. Local capacities and international assistance from donor countries to fight drug trafficking pale in comparison to