Subj: Germany: Christa Nickels New Federal Drug Czar



Source: Schwaebische Zeitung (Germany) 



Pubdate: 18 Nov 1998 



Translator: Pat Dolan (from German text)



Note: Main points summarised. Direct speech given in quotes. dpa = German Press Agency.



CHRISTA NICKELS NEW FEDERAL DRUG CZAR



Bonn (dpa) - Christa Nickels, the 46 year old former State Health Minister,

has been appointed to the post of Federal 'Drug Czar'.



She has announced that she will be tackling drug addiction as a health

rather than a law enforcement problem. She will strengthen prevention

measures and will put assistance before punishment. "Addicts are sick

people. It is our duty to help them. The criminal prosecution of drug

dealers will remain, however, an important task."



She said a bill would be drafted to place 'injection rooms' on a legal

basis. Provision would be made to supply emergency relief to a carefully

chosen group, for whom access to counselling and therapy would be provided.



She said she would also concern herself with health problems arising from

addiction to alcohol and tobacco.