Today Maria Larsson, Minister for Children and the Elderly, received the Ambassador of Bolivia to Sweden, following Bolivia´s request to change a UN Convention on Drugs to allow for the chewing of coca leaves. During the meeting Maria Larsson conveyed the view that Sweden cannot accept the proposed amendment. Today, Sweden sent a formal objection to Bolivia´s requested amendment, to the UN Headquarters in New York.
Bolivia has requested an amendment to the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 to allow for the chewing of coca leaves. This request has been discussed in the UN. It was decided to allow the signatories to the Convention 18 months to react. The 18-month period ends on January 31, 2011.
Without any country objections, Bolivia’s request to amend the U.N. 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs would be approved automatically .
The Swedish Government has sent its formal objection.
During the meeting with the Ambassador, Maria Larsson said that the Swedish Government regards Bolivia´s proposal as posing a serious risk to serve as a political precedent which is in direct breach of the international acquis regarding the fight against drugs.
Furthermore, the Swedish Government means that such a precedent would convey negative signals not in line with the measures used to fight sale and use of narcotic drugs. Consequently, Sweden cannot accept the proposed amendment.
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