Some steps taken at the level of the United Nations include discussions of organized crime and international law enforcement held at various UN congresses, adoption of the Model Treaty on Extradition, passage of several resolutions regarding criminal justice action to combat organized crime, and adoption of the UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Regional initiatives have been implemented in various settings, including the Council of Europe, European Union, Organization of American States, and the Commonwealth Secretariat. Many regional initiatives have evolved from informal bilateral arrangements to essential multilateral instruments of cooperation. Basic principles of international law enforcement cooperation include the need for a clear understanding of priorities and objectives, maintenance of a minimum level of reaction to organized crime among countries, compromise between the collective interest and individual national interests, and technical assistance. 13 notes