US THROWN OFF SECOND UN BODY

The US, already suffering the embarrassment of being voted off the United
Nations human rights council a week ago, has lost its seat on another
world-wide body, the International Narcotics Control Board. US candidate
Herbert Okun had been standing for a third consecutive five-year term on
the Vienna-based board, but he lost in the first round of voting at the
board's supervisory body, the UN Economic and Social Council (Ecosoc).

The secret ballot took place last Thursday, on the same day as the human
rights vote, although it was not made public until Monday evening.

US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher described the result as "very
regrettable". He refused to speculate as to why Mr Okun had not been
re-elected.

But taking into account the loss of the human rights seat as well, Mr
Boucher said: "There's something happening out there; clearly I think it's
fair to speculate there may be issues related to how we handled ourselves."

He went on to stress that the US would continue its "strong support" for UN
anti-drugs programmes.

There has been speculation that the US lost the votes because of joint
action between European countries and against a backdrop of late payment of
Washington's dues to the United Nations.

The 13-member International Narcotics Board monitors the manufacture and
sale of opium derivatives like morphine, stimulants, and other drugs which
can be illegally exploited.

It also seeks to prevent drug trafficking.

Former US Drugs Policy Director Barry McCaffrey said US absence would be
felt more by other countries than by the United States itself.

"It's a great loss to the international community to not have us in a
leadership position. We play a dominant role in the research and
development of drug treatment programmes in the world.

"The assistance that we are able to provide the United Nations, the
Europeans and former Soviet Union states could be adversely affected.

The 54-member Ecosoc voted on seven narcotics boards seats that were up for
renewal, including five filled by government nominees.

Candidates from Austria and the Netherlands were elected on the first
round, while French, Indian and Peruvian candidates were elected in two
more rounds of balloting.