NEW : Colombia 's president says it is unthinkable if Cuba is n't at the next summit . In the middle there may be more practical policies , such as decriminalizing consumption but putting all the efforts into interdiction . '' 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 . '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 .