U.S. DRUG CZAR SEEKS TO DAMPEN DUTCH IRE

NETHERLANDS -- U.S. drug czar Barry McCaffrey sought Tuesday to ease Dutch
anger over his criticism of the Netherlands' permissive drug laws, saying
he has "high respect" for the country despite differences over narcotics
policy.

McCaffrey, a retired general, is on an eight-day tour to examine European
drug treatment and prevention programs.

Last week, McCaffrey told CNN the Dutch policy was an "unmitigated
disaster" that had contributed to crime in the Netherlands -- comments that
prompted a sharp response from the Netherlands' ambassador to the U.S.,
Joris M. Vos.

On Tuesday, McCaffrey's spokesman, Robert Housman, issued a statement
expressing concern the Dutch government was being "pulled into an internal
political debate" in the United States by those who support decriminalizing
drugs.

Checked-by: (Joel W. Johnson)