Thread: $26 million in aid to Mexico paused U.S. doubts human-rights

$26 million in aid to Mexico paused
U.S. doubts human-rights progress

Arkansas Online
By MARTHA MENDOZA THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LITTLE ROCK — The Obama administration is withholding $26 million in aid to Mexico, recommending that the government give more power to its humanrights commission and crack down on abusive soldiers.

In a report released Friday, the State Department said the Mexican government, which is mired in a violent battle with powerful drug cartels, has met human-rights requirements to receive $36 million in previously withheld funds that are part of a $1.4 billion Merida Initiative.

But the U.S. was going to withhold 15 percent of newly authorized funds until the Mexican government meets several requirements: enhancing authority of the National Human Rights Commission, limiting authority of military courts in cases involving abuse of civilians, and improving communication with human-rights organizations in Mexico.

A State Department official said the department believes there has been “very significant progressâ€

So we borrow money from China and then turn around and give it to Mexico...makes sense to me...