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Mexico, U.S. agree on program against trafficking in people


ASSOCIATED PRESS

1:12 p.m. August 19, 2005

MEXICO CITY – Mexican officials said Friday they have agreed with the U.S Embassy on a joint plan to fight trafficking in people for sexual and labor exploitation.
The Foreign Relations Department said the agreement formalized with U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza after 11 months of discussions on how to dismantle criminal rings smuggling people for sex or near-slave labor.

Mexican Deputy Foreign Secretary Geronimo Gutierrez said the plan would improve care for victims, battle sex tourism, raise public awareness of the problem and exchange information between the two governments.

He said the program will involve government departments dealing with policing, intelligence, tourism, health, social services and diplomacy. Non-governmental groups may also play a role, he said.

Garza said the U.S. government "will support Mexico with equipment, qualification and training in three fundamental aspects: investigation, prevention and attention to victims."