NATION : Bush Opposes Needle Exchanges

WASHINGTON — President Bush opposes “under any condition” needle exchange programs to stop the spread of AIDS among intravenous drug addicts, his spokesman said today.

White House spokesman Marlin Fitzwater gave the President’s position on the needle-exchange program in response to recent comments by Health Secretary Louis W. Sullivan, who has said that although he opposes a federal needle-exchange program, he would support and encourage local communities to establish such programs.

“The President is opposed to exchange of needles under any condition,” Fitzwater said. Asked if that puts him at odds with Sullivan, Fitzwater said, “I’m not certain of the context of the secretary’s comments or exactly what his position is. I better refer you to him. But the President’s position is clear.”