ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationObama · D

Presidential Determination

Presidential Determination on Major Illicit Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2012

This annual determination identifies 22 countries as major illicit drug transit or producing countries for FY2012, including Afghanistan, Mexico, and most Central American nations. It specifically designates Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela as having failed demonstrably to meet international counternarcotics obligations, but exempts Bolivia and Venezuela from potential aid sanctions on national interest grounds. The document also adds El Salvador and Belize to the list for the first time due to increased trafficking through Central America.

Federal Register Open PDF 76 FR 59495

Impact dates

  1. Annual determination cycle; next year's assessment of Canada cooperation

Key directives

  • Identify specified 22 countries as major drug transit or producing countries
  • Designate Bolivia, Burma, and Venezuela as failing demonstrably to adhere to international counternarcotics obligations
  • Determine that support for programs aiding Bolivia and Venezuela are vital to U.S. national interests
  • Submit determination to Congress and publish in Federal Register
  • Authorize bilateral engagement with Canada on drug trafficking reduction

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Designation of 22 countries on Majors List takes effect for FY2012
  • Bolivia, Burma, Venezuela designated as failing demonstrably
  • National interest waiver applied to Bolivia and Venezuela

Near term (90d)

  • Congressional transmission and Federal Register publication
  • Consideration of enhanced U.S.-Canada drug cooperation framework

Long term

  • Annual reconsideration of country designations
  • Potential aid restrictions for Burma
  • Ongoing CARSI program implementation in Central America
  • Next year's determination to assess Canada cooperation results

Risks & tensions

  • Waiver for Venezuela and Bolivia on 'national interest' grounds may dilute counternarcotics pressure
  • Addition of El Salvador and Belize reflects escalating regional violence in Central America
  • Burma receives no national interest waiver, implying potential aid sanctions
  • Document notes tension between geographic vulnerability and government effort in list placement
Presidential Determination: Presidential Determination on Major Illicit Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2012 · Executive Orders