Afghanistan, Burma fail to get US drug certification

Thursday, March 2 4:12 AM SGT

WASHINGTON, March 1 (AFP) - The United States on Wednesday said Afghanistan and Burma had failed to take measures to control the international flow of narcotics and refused to certify them as cooperating in the fight on drugs.

Failing to certify the countries means they can be subject to US sanctions.

The two countries, which were thus designated last year as well, are on a list of 26 countries around the world deemed major drug producers or transit points.

Of those 26 countries, six, including Afghanistan and Burma, were deemed not to be taking appropriate steps, but the other four -- Cambodia, Haiti, Nigeria and Paraguay -- were given so-called "national interest waivers" meaning they escape the possible sanctions.

The announcements were made by US drug czar Barry McCaffrey.

Colombia and Mexico, which are among the 26 producers and transit countries and had been criticized for their efforts were found to be cooperating in the drug war.