US thrown off second UN body

America plays a "dominant role" in narcotics control

The US, already suffering the embarrassment of being voted off the United Nations human rights council a week ago, has lost its seat on another world-wide body, the International Narcotics Control Board.

US candidate Herbert Okun had been standing for a third consecutive five-year term on the Vienna-based board, but he lost in the first round of voting at the board's supervisory body, the UN Economic and Social Council (Ecosoc).

There's something happening out there

US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher

The secret ballot took place last Thursday, on the same day as the human rights vote, although it was not made public until Monday evening.

US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher described the result as "very regrettable". He refused to speculate as to why Mr Okun had not been re-elected.

But taking into account the loss of the human rights seat as well, Mr Boucher said: "There's something happening out there; clearly I think it's fair to speculate there may be issues related to how we handled ourselves."

It's a great loss to the international community to not have us in a leadership position

Former US Drugs Policy Director Barry McCaffrey

He went on to stress that the US would continue its "strong support" for UN anti-drugs programmes.

There has been speculation that the US lost the votes because of joint action between European countries and against a backdrop of late payment of Washington's dues to the United Nations.

The 13-member International Narcotics Board monitors the manufacture and sale of opium derivatives like morphine, stimulants, and other drugs which can be illegally exploited.

It also seeks to prevent drug trafficking.

Former US drug policy director Barry McCaffrey: "A great loss"

Former US Drugs Policy Director Barry McCaffrey said US absence would be felt more by other countries than by the United States itself.

"It's a great loss to the international community to not have us in a leadership position. We play a dominant role in the research and development of drug treatment programmes in the world.

"The assistance that we are able to provide the United Nations, the Europeans and former Soviet Union states could be adversely affected.

The 54-member Ecosoc voted on seven narcotics boards seats that were up for renewal, including five filled by government nominees.

Candidates from Austria and the Netherlands were elected on the first round, while French, Indian and Peruvian candidates were elected in two more rounds of balloting.