ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationClinton · D Quiet signal

Presidential Determination

Certification for Major Narcotics Producing and Transit Countries

Defense & SecurityDefense & SecurityTradeTradeDemocracy & GovernanceDemocracy & Governance

In simple terms

This presidential determination certifies 23 countries as cooperating fully with U.S. counternarcotics goals under the Foreign Assistance Act, grants vital national interest certifications for 3 countries (Belize, Lebanon, Pakistan), and decertifies 6 countries (Afghanistan, Burma, Colombia, Iran, Nigeria, Syria). The determination affects U.S. foreign assistance eligibility and sanctions exposure for these countries based on their drug control cooperation.

Federal Register Open PDF 62 FR 11589

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 62 FR 11589

    Federal Register PDF

  3. Determination signed and effective

Key directives

  • Certify 23 countries under FAA Section 490(b)(1)(A)
  • Certify 3 countries under vital national interest exception Section 490(b)(1)(B)
  • Decertify 6 countries for non-compliance
  • Report determination to Congress immediately
  • Publish determination in Federal Register

Who is ordered

What to expect

Immediate

  • Certification/decertification designations take effect for FY1997 foreign assistance
  • Secretary of State directed to report to Congress and publish in Federal Register

Near term (90d)

  • Congressional review of determinations
  • Potential congressional disapproval of vital national interest certifications

Long term

  • Annual recertification cycle under FAA Section 490
  • Ongoing bilateral counternarcotics cooperation frameworks
  • Potential sanctions for decertified countries absent congressional waiver

Risks & tensions

  • Decertification of Colombia creates tension despite its significance as drug source country
  • Vital national interest certification for Pakistan may face congressional scrutiny given regional nuclear concerns
  • Certification of Mexico occurs amid ongoing corruption and trafficking challenges
  • Aruba certification despite limited drug seizures and money laundering concerns
  • Congress retains authority to disapprove vital national interest certifications within 30 days of continuous session
Presidential Determination: Certification for Major Narcotics Producing and Transit Countries · Executive Orders