The UN drug treaties prohibited the use of coca leaf but Andean people are now promoting its re-legalisation. We asked Cesar Aguilar Alcedo, a member of the Bolivian delegation at the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, to explain why.

Highlights from the interview:
– What he tries to achieve by coming to the United Nations;
– His personal background and connection to the coca leaf;
– What is the sacred, spiritual meaning of coca to Andean people;
– What is the message to those who would like to eradicate coca in the name of the war against cocaine;
– How should the UN deal with coca.

Interview: Péter Sárosi
Video: István Gábor Takács