Peru is fighting drug trafficking out of its own conviction, rather than foreign pressure, Foreign Minister Manuel Rodriguez said Friday.

"I believe that drug trafficking should not be included in the foreign policy of Peru," Rodriguez, who was visiting Spain, told Lima radio.

"Peru fights drug trafficking not because there are countries interested in doing so, but out of its own convictions," he said.

Peru and the United States, the world's biggest drug consumer, "have recognized the principle of shared responsibility" because if there exists drug trafficking, "it is because there is demand, "Rodriguez said.

He urged the United States to be more flexible in free trade negotiations as Washington "has a very defined commitment to the combat against international drug trafficking."

Source: Xinhua