Guatemalan President to propose legalizing drugs

GUATEMALA CITY - Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina said he will propose legalizing drugs in Central America in an upcoming meeting with the region's leaders.

Perez Molina said in a radio interview that would include decriminalizing the transportation of drugs through the area.

The Guatemalan president said the war on drugs, and all the money and technology received from the U.S., has not diminished drug trafficking in the area.

He said drug cartels are to blame for the high rates of violence in Guatemala, which has a homicide rate of 45 per 100,000 people.

Perez Molina said he will bring the subject up with Salvadoran President Mauricio Funes when Funes visits Monday.

He didn't mention Saturday when the next meeting with Central American leaders will be.