Following a meeting on Monday with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg said that the Californian marijuana legalization vote would not affect U.S. drug policy.
Steinberg, who is currently on an official visit to Colombia, said that the U.S. federal government does not support the Californian referendum on legalizing marijuana
“As we continue with this new dialogue, we will continue with the fight against drugs,” Steinberg said.
The secretary of state was speaking in reference to a proposed redefinition of relations between Colombia and the U.S. President Santos recently said he would like to see the two nations “become true strategic partners in many traditional themes and other new issues.”
While the new strategy will keep the drug issue at the forefront of relations, the environment, education, science, and defense of human rights would all play key roles in future cooperation, said Santos.
Santos commented that Steinberg’s visit to Colombia is the result of a meeting held in New York with Barack Obama, at the General Assembly of the United Nations.
Steinberg congratulated Colombia on winning a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
“I would like to thank you for your hospitality and would also like to welcome Colombia as the next member of the security council,” said Steinberg.