CHRISTA NICKELS NEW FEDERAL DRUG CZAR

Bonn (dpa) - Christa Nickels, the 46 year old former State Health Minister,
has been appointed to the post of Federal 'Drug Czar'.

She has announced that she will be tackling drug addiction as a health
rather than a law enforcement problem. She will strengthen prevention
measures and will put assistance before punishment. "Addicts are sick
people. It is our duty to help them. The criminal prosecution of drug
dealers will remain, however, an important task."

She said a bill would be drafted to place 'injection rooms' on a legal
basis. Provision would be made to supply emergency relief to a carefully
chosen group, for whom access to counselling and therapy would be provided.

She said she would also concern herself with health problems arising from
addiction to alcohol and tobacco.

Checked-by: Richard Lake