BID TO COAX DRUG GROWERS OUT OF TRADE

THE EU is stepping up its multi-million pound effort to coax Latin American
producers into areas other than illegal drugs.

This was one of the anti-drugs tactics which emerged from a recent meeting
of EU Foreign Ministers and their counterparts in 12 South American
countries.

A spokesman for Foreign Minister David Andrews, who attended the series of
meetings in Panama City, said, yesterday, all sides had recognised two
significant points. Firstly, the crucial importance of removing European
demand for illegal drugs and secondly, the need to steer Latin American
drug producers towards alternative sources of income. The EU has already
provided some incentives for Latin American growers to channel their
energies into legal operations. And this strategy is expected to be further
developed prior to next June's special general assembly of the UN, which
has placed the fight against illicit drug trafficking at the top of its
agenda.

"The entire world community needs to adopt an integral strategy aimed at
countering the grave social threat posed by the drugs problem, whose
destructive impact respects no geographical boundaries," Mr Andrews said.

While in Panama, the Minister also lobbied support for Ireland's bid for
election to the UN Security Council in 2000.

"Ireland is a determined defender of the UN's paramount position within the
international community. We want a reformed, revitalised and financially
strong United Nations. Our presence on the Security Council would enable us
to pursue that aim with increased vigour and to greater effect," the
Minister said.