AUSTRIA SEEKS TO STEP UP ANTI-DRUG COOPERATION WITH LATIN AMERICA

Vienna, Mar 11 (EFE).- Austria will increase cooperation with several Latin
American countries to fight drug-trafficking, Government Minister Ernst
Strasser said Monday upon winding up a visit to Brazil, Colombia and Peru.

The Alpine nation will help Brazilian, Colombian and Peruvian police and
anti-drug officials strengthen their security systems, given that South
American drug cartels have ties to European and African crime
organizations, he said.

During the visit, Strasser signed an accord to strengthen relations with
Peru and laid the groundwork for a similar accord with Brazil.

A meeting between Strasser and Colombian Vice President Gustavo Lemus to
sign a memorandum is still pending.

The accords call for cooperation among Austrian and Latin American police
regarding the smuggling of drugs and the chemicals used to manufacture
them. The pact also provides for enhanced joint efforts against terrorism,
money-laundering and arms-smuggling.

Strasser, who also expressed concern over the increase in Latin American
production of opium poppies, used to manufacture heroin, stressed Austria's
support for the European Union's plan to finance alternative crops.

The official invited Brazilian, Colombian and Peruvian anti-drug officials
to visit Austria for additional discussions. Finally, Strasser presented
drafts of bilateral agreements for the extradition of drug traffickers.