Source: Sueddeutsche Zeitung (Germany) Copyright: Sueddeutscher Verlag GmbH, Munich (SouthGerman Publishing Co.) Pubdate: 18 Nov 1998 Website: http://www.sueddeutsche.de/ Author: Martin Thurau Translator: Pat Dolan (from German text) Note: Summary of main points. Quotes given in inverted commas. COUNTDOWN TO THE FIRST FIXING ROOMS Afterwards the Bonn Coalition wants to alter the illegal drugs statute An 'Emergency Room' will be opened in Sshwabingen next summer. The Catholic party threatens to hold a referendum After nearly 2 years of heated controversy, a plan for a realistic way forward has been proposed. It hasnow been officially announced that an emergency room could open in Schwabigen as early as next summer. Andrea Fischer's announcement of legal 'Fixing Rooms' has sparked further discussion. This will require altering the law as it now stands. Up to this point such establishments in Frankfurt and Hamburg have operated in a 'grey zone'. The political parties are sharply divided on the issue. The red-Green coalition see them as a means of survival for hard core addicts, a place where they can inject themselves in a clean, supportive environment without fear of presecution. There would be less risk of deadly infection and would reduce the spread of AIDS and hepatitis. The government of Upper Bavaria saw them as illegal and sought to have them delayed until a legal clarification had been obtained. The Catholic Workers Party refected them out of hand, saying they would be a step backcwards and would send "the wrong message". So the struggle continues with the possibility of protracted legal wrangling ahead. Alle Rechte vorbehalten - Sueddeutscher Verlag GmbH, Muenchen - --- Checked-by: Mike Gogulski