By SPA
Washington : President George W. Bush has asked the U.S. Senate to quickly approve an agreement ratified by more than 70 countries to fight the use of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs in sports.
The White House said in a statement Thursday that the agreement’s principles are already reflected in U.S. 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,” it wrote.
Known as the International Convention Against Doping in Sport, the agreement was drafted by the U.N. Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The treaty urges countries to “take actions to promote anti-doping controls for international competition,” including the Olympics and Pan American Games.
Professional sports are not covered by the convention, the White House said, suggesting that “they should look to it as a guide as they seek to strengthen their policies 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,” the White House said.