WASHINGTON, Sept 16 (KUNA) -- Afghanistan, Pakistan and India are among the 22 nations named in the President Barack Obama's annual list of the top narcotics-producing and drug-transit countries, released late Thursday. Of the 22 countries identified by President Obama to Congress, as part of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act (FAA), Obama highlighted Bolivia, Burma, and Venzuela as "failed demonstrably" during the last year to make significant or meaningful efforts to adhere to the international counternarcotics agreement, according to the State department.
Other countries identified on this year's list include the Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. Belize and El Salvador. "When a country on the list does not fulfill its obligations under international counternarcotics agreements and conventions, the President determines that the country has "failed demonstrably" to meet its counterdrug obligations. Such a designation can lead to sanctions," the State department said. However, Obama may execute a waiver when he determines there is a vital national interest in continuing U.S. assistance. Even without such a waiver, humanitarian assistance and counternarcotics assistance may continue. (end) hy.rk KUNA 160921 Sep 11NNNN