UN SLATES PLANS FOR 'UNLAWFUL' HEROIN USE

AUSTRALIA'S proposed heroin injecting rooms have been condemned by the
United Nations with a warning the trials are unlawful and will attract drug
users from around the world.

The United Nations International Narcotics Control Board compared plans to
open Australia's first injecting room in Sydney early next year to
government-endorsed drug trafficking.

It predicted the trials, also planned for Canberra and Melbourne, would
send a message to the world that Australia was a place where illegal drugs
can be abused without punishment.

Premier Peter Beattie has consistently ruled out the possibility of a
similar trial in Queensland.

Prime Minister John Howard yesterday urged the proposed opening of the
injecting rooms to be delayed until a meeting of state and territory
ministers considered the implications of the UN ruling.

Mr Howard, a vocal opponent of the injecting rooms, also hinted at
Commonwealth intervention, warning that the possible breach of
international law could not be ignored.

In a letter to Australia's state and territory leaders yesterday, Mr Howard
said he had taken the view that the injecting rooms was a matter for their
own governments.

"However, I cannot ignore the assertions that what is proposed could be in
breach of Australia's international obligations," he said.

"In light of the board's views, I ask that you do not proceed with your
proposal until the Commonwealth, in discussion with the States and
territories, has had an opportunity to consider all the implications
involved."