US LOSES SEAT ON INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL BOARD

There has been another international set back for the administration
of United States (US) President George W Bush.

Authorities in Washington have confirmed the United States has lost
its seat on the key international body that monitors illegal drug
trafficking and abuse.

The US had been campaigning for a third term for its candidature on
the International Narcotics Control Board, but it has now emerged
that on the same day that Washington was voted off the United Nations
(UN) Human Rights Commission it also lost its seat on the drug body.

This morning a State Department spokesman described that outcome as
"very regretable", but says the US would remain involved in
international drug control programs.

The narcotics board monitors government compliance with the United
Nations conventions on drugs.

The board has been a important opponent of heroin trials and
injecting rooms in Australia and decriminalisation proposals around
the world.