Thread: Clinton: U.S. Part of Latin Drug Trade

Clinton: U.S. part of Latin drug trade

GUATEMALA CITY -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the U.S. is "part of the problem" in Central America's worsening drug trade, and is working to reduce demand at home while assisting neighbors in their fight against traffickers.

"The United States under the Obama administration recognizes and accepts its share of responsibilities for the problems posed by drug trafficking in this region," Mrs. Clinton said today at a news conference at the Presidential Palace in Guatemala City, before meeting with regional presidents.

"That's an admission that we have been willing to make this past year," she said, adding the U.S. is determined to help Central America "fight this criminal scourge."

Mrs. Clinton said an important aspect of her meetings today with regional presidents and senior officials is asking what assistance their governments want from the U.S.

Mrs. Clinton acknowledged a criticism often heard in Central America that U.S. assistance for anti-drug operations in Colombia and Mexico -- two nations that are home to the biggest drug cartels in the region -- has encouraged traffickers to shift operations to Central America.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10065/1040796-82.stm

This will be the "excuse" to disarm America.