GUATEMALA CITY -- The nation's president says U.S. refusal to deal with its drug consumption problem has left the tiny country with no option but to consider legalizing drugs.

President Otto Perez Molina says he wants regional consensus before going forward with the idea. Perez spoke on Monday after a security meeting with El Salvador President Mauricio Funes.

Funes said he, too, is willing to consider legalization.

Guatemala is a major transit route for U.S.-bound drugs from South America and has been overrun by organized crime and Mexican drug cartels. The United States opposes Perez's proposal.

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