But the UN’s International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), which checks global drug agreements, says Bolivia may harm international drug controls. Many countries – including the UK, the US, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands and Russia – do not want to give Bolivia what it is asking for. The UK told the UN that it “respects the cultural importance of the coca leaf in Bolivia,” but it adds: “The United Kingdom is worried that the exemption could lead to more coca production and – most importantly – more coca reaching the cocaine trade. The exemption would make it more difficult to control the illegal drugs trade.”
What stance are countries like the UK, the US, and Italy taking on Bolivia’s request?
They are opposed to it They are supporting it out of respect for the cultural importance of coca They do not believe the INCB is authorized to discuss it They do not wish to be involved in Bolivian drug policy