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Presidential Determination

Presidential Determination on Major Illicit Drug Producing and Drug Transit Countries

This presidential determination certifies countries' cooperation with U.S. counter-drug efforts under the Foreign Assistance Act. Twenty countries received full certification for cooperating with UN drug convention goals, four received 'vital national interests' certification (Cambodia, Haiti, Nigeria, Paraguay), and two were decertified (Afghanistan, Burma). The determination includes detailed explanatory statements for each country's drug control performance and directs the Secretary of State to publish it in the Federal Register.

Federal Register Open PDF 65 FR 15797

Key directives

  • Determine and certify major illicit drug producing and transit countries under section 490(b)(1)(A) of Foreign Assistance Act
  • Determine vital national interests certifications under section 490(b)(1)(B)
  • Direct Secretary of State to publish determination in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Publication in Federal Register directed
  • Certification status takes effect for FY2000 foreign assistance

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Continued foreign assistance flows to certified countries
  • Potential sanctions for decertified countries (Afghanistan, Burma)

Risks & tensions

  • Decertification of Afghanistan and Burma may complicate other foreign policy objectives
  • Vital national interests certifications for Cambodia and Haiti override statutory standards due to democracy promotion goals
  • Certification process creates tension between drug enforcement and broader geopolitical interests
Presidential Determination: Presidential Determination on Major Illicit Drug Producing and Drug Transit Countries · Executive Orders