Taipei, July 10 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said on Monday that the war against drugs is the responsibility of everyone, as he urged more anti-drug efforts for the benefit of the next generation.
The president made the remarks at the Presidential Office when he received individuals and organizations that have contributed to the fight against drugs.
He noted that the government has worked with the private sector on the "just say no to drugs" campaign since 1993, and has achieved tangible results in reducing drug use as well as improving drug rehabilitation programs.
However, he said that he still worried about drug abuse, adding that narcotics not only erode the health of the next generation, but also seriously weaken a nation. It is outrageous that most drug-related felons are repeat offenders who have resorted to every possible means of drug trafficking, he added.
Chen noted that anyone who visits the US Federal Bureau of Investigation can't fail to notice that Taiwan is listed as one of the world's illegal drug exporters. "We cannot accept such an accusation, but we will address the fact that someone has used Taiwan to smuggle drugs," the president said.
He expressed his hope that the government and private sectors will pool their efforts to recover Taiwan's good reputation in this regard.
President Chen said that there is still ample room for improvement in the anti-drug drive, and that the government will join forces with religious organizations and private charity groups to fight drugs in the future.
Chen also touched on ridding the nation of "black gold politics"--or government links with organized crime--saying that the administration will present substantial measures within three months.