Reuters AlertNet Lite - Mexico wants US anti-drug aid as soon as possible

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Mexico wants US anti-drug aid as soon as possible

04 Oct 2007 23:38:09 GMT
Source: Reuters

MEXICO CITY, Oct 4 (Reuters) - The United States is proposing to spend more than $1 billion over two years to train and equip Mexican soldiers and police to fight drug cartels, an official said on Thursday.

The plan, which must be approved by the U.S. Congress, is aimed at crushing warring cartels that ship tonnes of narcotics into the United States every year and whose battles over smuggling routes have killed 2,000 people in Mexico this year.

"We are talking about an initial program of two years ... and for those two years more than $1 billion," said Carlos Rico, deputy minister for North American affairs at the Mexican Foreign Ministry.

"We want these funds, this technological support and training capacity as soon as possible," he told reporters.

The U.S. military would play no role in the program in Mexico, Rico said. Part of the money is expected to go toward better monitoring of coasts and air routes where drugs are smuggled.

Mexico and the United States are already working closely on the fight against the cartels, and Washington provides the Mexican government with some aid money. The proposed package would be a significant boost in funds for the anti-drug effort.

U.S. officials say they are eager to help Mexico as President Felipe Calderon's military-backed assault against the cartels cuts cocaine supplies on U.S. streets.

Mexican and U.S. drug-trade analysts warn that extra funding will do little to weaken cartels unless Mexico cleans up its corrupt police forces that are accused of involvement in trafficking.

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Last updated:Thu Oct 4 23:36:55 2007