Guatemalan president Otto Pérez Molina said he will propose the legalisation of drugs at an upcoming meeting with Central American leaders.
In a radio interview Saturday, the recently-elected ex-general said he would also propose decriminalising the transport of drugs through the region, according to the Associated Press.
“There is consensus among those who have to come, but the discussion is still on the table,” he told the Guatemalan daily El Periódico. “I’m not saying this should be implemented immediately, but it should be discussed and analysed.”
He noted that drug trafficking has bloodied Mexico and Colombia, and even when the head honchos of smuggling organisations are jailed, operations continue.
“As long as there is demand in the United States that continues the drug trade here, the theme of legalisation needs to be taken into account,” he said.
Pérez Molina, who took office last month, did not provide any details about the meeting or his proposal.
He did note that the idea came together with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, and will be shared with El Salvador President Mauricio Funes. Pérez Molina also said Mexican President Felipe Calderón told him he was “thinking seriously” about the issue.
