TEGUCIGALPA -- Honduran President Manuel Zelaya says drug consumption should be legalized to stop violence related to trafficking.

Zelaya says that ''instead of pursuing drug traffickers, societies should invest resources in educating drug addicts and curbing their demand.'' He proposes establishing mechanisms for legalizing drug use.

Zelaya spoke Monday at a meeting of Latin American and Caribbean anti-drug officials. He did not say whether he would introduce legislation to legalize drugs in Honduras.

Rodolfo Zelaya, head of the Honduran congressional commission on drug trafficking, rejected the president's comments. He told meeting participants he was ``confused and stunned by what the Honduran leader said.''

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