U.N. SUMMIT: DOWNER PLEDGES $15M DRUG FIGHT

Describing the international drug problem as "one of the major non-military
threats to regional and international security", the Foreign Minister, Mr
Downer, announced here that Australia had allocated $15 million for
drug-control programs in the Asia-Pacific region.

Addressing the United Nations drug summit, Mr Downer said the Australian
initiative aimed "to enhance the security of our borders and our streets by
concentrating on supply and health treatment in our own region".

Mr Downer said $5.7 million would be allocated over four years to develop
an Asia-Pacific regional law enforcement program, while an additional
$6.1million would be used to extend Australia's law enforcement liaison
network.

$1 million would go to a Sydney-based group fighting money-laundering in
the Asia-Pacific, and another $1 million would fund eradication of drug
crops in South-East Asia and the development of alternative crops.

Mr Downer also announced increased funding for the prevention of HIV/AIDS,
and for the treatment and education of people infected with it and for
health projects targeting high-risk groups such as intravenous drug-users.

He said the initiatives were in international accord with the "Tough On
Drugs" program announced last November by the Prime Minister, Mr Howard.

"The production, trafficking and consumption of illicit drugs not only
ruins lives and livelihoods, it ruins security," Mr Downer said.

However, the summit has drawn wide criticism, with The New York Times
calling it well-intentioned but misdirected.

"The leaders are mostly extolling failed strategies to combat the problem,"
the paper said.

"Studies show treatment programs are far more cost-effective than efforts
overseas. But it is politically safer to advocate fighting drugs abroad
than treating addicts at home."