Guatemala yesterday said that the US’ inability to cut drug consumption leaves it with no option but to consider legalising the use and transport of drugs, the Associated Press reported.

It said that President Otto Perez Molina statement yesterday was a remarkable turnaround for an ex-general elected on a platform of crushing organised crime with an iron fist.

According to AP Perez said he will try to win regional support for drug legalisation at an upcoming summit of Central American leaders next month. He got his first public support yesterday at a security meeting with El Salvador President Mauricio Funes, who said he too is willing to consider legalisation.

“We’re bringing the issue up for debate. Today’s meeting is intended to strengthen our methods of fighting organised crime,” Perez said with Funes. “But if drug consumption isn’t reduced, the problem will continue.”

But after returning to El Salvador, Funes said he personally doesn’t support legalisation because it would “create a moral problem,” though he supports Perez’s right to bring up the issue for consideration.