cannabisnews.com: 34 Nations To Coordinate Drug War





34 Nations To Coordinate Drug War
Posted by FoM on November 05, 1999 at 16:12:27 PT
By Associated Press
Source: Las Vegas SUN
With an eye toward combating illegal drugs around the world, leaders of 34 nations promised on Friday to work toward a more cooperative relationship.
"We did not talk consuming nations vs. producing nations," said Barry McCaffrey, the Clinton administration's drug policy chief. Instead, McCaffrey said, the three-day meeting among nations was "about prevention, treatment, interdiction, intelligence sharing.""We have learned to share our successful strategies and coordinate our efforts to find solutions," McCaffrey said.Cesar Gaviria, secretary general of the Organization of American States, said, "The nations of the Americas have agreed that we all share responsibility for the drug problem and that we can be most effective in confronting it through concerted, multilateral action."Mexico Attorney General Jorge Madrazo said the fight against drugs demands "international cooperation."But Madrazo added, "The only valid international cooperation is that which is based on respect for all peoples, their territories, their legal systems, their forms of government, their democratic institutions and their ways of life."In addition to agreeing to better coordinate efforts, the leaders plan to meet again, possibly in mid-2001, to discuss their progress.The meeting comes on the heels of an agreement the leaders signed last month aimed at getting together to evaluate strategies.McCaffrey also used the event to express concern about the outcome of a proposed $1 billion to $2 billion aid package for Colombia and its surrounding countries. Congress has yet to agree to the deal."I am deeply disappointed with the emerging results," he said, adding that the matter was still being negotiated. "The interests of the American people will be ill-served if there are not significant resources devoted."Today: November 05, 1999 at 14:15:50 PST All contents © 1996 - 1999 Las Vegas Sun, Inc.Related Article:McCaffrey and Gaviria Conclude Western Hemisphere - 11/05/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread3573.shtml
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help




Comment #3 posted by kaptinemo on November 06, 1999 at 06:59:21 PT
Window dressing... a.k.a. "Smoke and mirrors"
No, Bodega, we aren't losing the war. As an old saying goes, "When you get whupped, you scream." McCaffrey, despite his bravado, is screaming. He's just been handed another vote-of-no-confidence in the War on (Some) Drugs by the Great State of Maine. New Mexico's Governor is a regular thorn in his side, by making him publicly acknowledge what he had hoped he would never have to do: admit that there are articulate thoughtful people out there who see through the DrugWar propaganda and are asking "*Does* the emperor have any clothes? Is there any reason to continue this failed policy?" The obvious answer is galling to him.Whenever public figures like MISTER McCaffrey go on foreign junkets like this, it usually means he wants to get away from the stinging criticism of policy failures at home. Just the very act of asking if there are alternatives to the WoSD is a direct affront to his policy, and therefore, himself. It challenges the legitimacy of both policy and ...the policy administrator. The kitchen is getting too hot for him, which is why he is taking this little jaunt.Time to turn up the gas another notch... 
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #2 posted by rainbow on November 05, 1999 at 17:38:46 PT:
Democracy ???  where
But Madrazo added, "The only valid international cooperation is that which is based on respect for all peoples, their territories, their legal systems, their forms of government, their democratic institutions and their ways of life."Too baad the USA can not live up to this statement. I guess we are on the out since we have no respect for people.When I say we I mean our congress and executive branches of government. CheersRainbow
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #1 posted by Bodega on November 05, 1999 at 17:06:30 PT:
Hmmmmm.....
I'm sorry but this whole thing sounds like a bunch of over powering leaders getting together and deciding, once again, what is best for us. Now, not only do we have to deal with our own Drug Czar, we have to deal with a whole group of them on a broader scale! Am I wrong? Am I reading this incorrectly? Are WE "THE WEED SMOKERS" loosing this war? I certainly hope not! 
[ Post Comment ]

Post Comment


Name: Optional Password: 
E-Mail: 
Subject: 
Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message]
Link URL: 
Link Title: