No Drug Policy Change as OAS Wraps up in Guatemala
No Drug Policy Change as OAS Wraps up in Guatemala
By SONIA PEREZ DIAZ Associated Press
ANTIGUA, Guatemala June 7, 2013 (AP)
The Organization of American States ended its general assembly meeting Friday without including the themes of decriminalizing or legalizing drugs in its final declaration as some countries had hoped.
The three-day OAS meeting was held amid growing frustration in the region over the number of people killed in the battle against drug trafficking. Host country Guatemala, whose president has pressed for some form of legalization, had predicted the declaration would include a change in anti-drug policy. But observers and leaders at the meeting said the declaration had at least opened debate on the best way forward.
The declaration said the drug problem should be treated "with an integrated, strengthened, balanced and multi-faceted approach, with full respect for human rights and individual liberties, incorporating public health, education and social inclusion."
OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza noted that "the issue of legalization is not in the declaration, but it certainly is an issue that can change. Some countries have legalized marijuana, so it is an issue that is up for discussion."
More:
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/drug-policy-change-oas-wraps-guatemala-19350320#.UbI1zuoo6o0
