President George Bush Asks The Senate To Approve The International Pact Against Steroids, EPO And Other Performance Drugs In Sports

WASHINGTON: President George Bush has requested that the U.S. Senate quickly approve the agreement that has been approved by 70 nations to combat the use of steroids, EPO, and other performance-enhancing drugs in sports.

In a statement Thursday, the White House said the agreement’s principles are already reflected in United States law and policy.

“Ratifying the convention will solidify our nation’s place as a leader in the worldwide effort to rid athletics of cheating through chemistry,” White House press secretary Dana Perino said in a written statement.

Known as the International Convention Against Doping in Sport, the agreement was drafted under the auspices of the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The agreement urges all nations to take actions to promote anti-doping procedures for international competition, including the Olympics and Pan American Games.

Only 70 governments have so far ratified the UNESCO anti-doping treaty out of nearly 200 nations that promised to do so at the previous doping summit in 2003. Countries which don’t comply can be barred from bidding for the Olympics.

Professional sports are not within the purview of the convention, the White House said, suggesting that “they should look to it as a guide as they seek to strengthen their polices against performance-enhancing drugs among their athletes.”

“The use of performance-enhancing drugs by elite athletes sets a dangerous example for millions of young Americans, encouraging young people to take grave risks with their health and safety,” Perino said.
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