NEW : Colombia 's president says it is unthinkable if Cuba is n't at the next summit . NEW : Santos adds the summit can be a `` starting point '' for talks on illicit drugs . 'New York Times, Washington Post and Reuters all report that President Obama will not attend this week's Summit of Americas Leaders in Panama because he doesn't want to appear as an American leader who supports drug legalization The United States wants strong relations with Latin America , Obama says .
NEW : Colombia 's president says it is unthinkable if Cuba is n't at the next summit . NEW : Santos adds the summit can be a `` starting point '' for talks on illicit drugs . Obama says debate is fine , but insists legalization is n't an option in the U.S . The United States wants strong relations with Latin America , Obama says .