Post date: Sep 26, 2013 7:39:43 PM
Guatemala's President Otto Perez Molina calls for revision of international drug policies and praisesUruguay's move to decriminalize marijuana during his address to the United Nations General Assembly.
UNITED NATIONS (SEPTEMBER 26, 2013) (UNTV) - Guatemala's President Otto Perez Molina addressed the United Nations General Assemblyon Thursday (September 26), saying that his country's future was closely related to Mexico's economy and called for the governments of Mexico and the United States to re-evaluate their immigration policies.
In regards to Guatemala's northern neighbour, Mexico, Perez Molina said that both countries have worked to strengthen their relationship in a variety of areas."We see the future of Guatemala clearly related with the economy of this brotherly neighbouring state (referring to Mexico), which has led us to seek strengthening our relations in areas such as energy, transport and logistics, the modernization of customs and the improvement of security in border crossings, as well as the common goal against hunger and in favour of peace in our countries," he said.
He highlighted that 50 percent of Guatemalans desperately relied on family remittances from bothMexico and the United States.
"Millions of Guatemalans and Central Americans live and work today in the United States, and more than 50 percent of our population depends on business transactions and family remittances fromMexico and the United States for their livelihood. This integration is a reality and the governments must establish the rules that allow for capitalizing on the achievements of our children and business community," President Molina said.
Perez Molina called on the international community to re-evaluate their policies on the war on drugs, saying that all have failed to achieve the desired results.
"We have clearly affirmed that the war against drugs has not borne the desired results and that we cannot continue doing the same, waiting for different results. That is why I add my voice at this time to the countries of Mexico, Colombia and Costa Rica to declare the following: In facing the global drug problem, we must assess the internationally agreed policies," he said.
He praised both U.S. President Barack Obama and Uruguay's President Jose Mujica for leading the charge in decriminalizing marijuana.
"We would like to acknowledge (U.S.) President (Barack) Obama for his wise decision of respecting the voice of the citizens of Colorado and Washington to allow these innovative experiences to provide results. In the same manner, we respect and are proud of the example provided byUruguay's President Jose Mujica in proposing legislation that regulates the market of cannabis instead of following the failed route of prohibition,"
Uruguay's Mujica presented legislation earlier this year to regulate the growth and distribution of marijuana. The bill is working its way through the Senate and is gaining momentum.
In August, the Obama administration gave states wide leeway to experiment with pot legalization and started letting Colorado and Washington to carry out new laws permitting recreational use.
The U.S. Justice Department said it would refocus marijuana enforcement nationwide by bringing criminal charges only in eight defined areas - such as distribution to minors - and giving breathing room to users, growers and related businesses that have feared prosecution.