PM'S INVITE TO US DRUG OFFICIAL CRITICISED

Prime Minister John Howard's decision to invite United States President Bill
Clinton's director of drug policy to visit Australia has been criticised by
the Drug Law Reform Foundation.

The invitation to General Barry McCaffrey was made by Mr Howard at a meeting
with him in Washington. .

Mr Howard says the meeting reaffirmed his opposition to the legalisation of
illegal drugs and harm minimisation measures such as shooting galleries and
heroin trials.

Western Australia president of the Drug Law Reform Foundation, Jason Meotti,
says he is at a loss to see what Australia can gain from the general's visit
in relation to the heroin problem.

"I don't really know what we can learn from America," Mr Meotti said.

"They've certainly got one of the, if not the worst drug problems in the
world, illicit drugs, and it's a bit like inviting Dracula out to advise you
on your blood bank," he said.