http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/world/3627367.html

Feb. 1, 2006, 1:11AM

Garza says border under 'yoke'
U.S. envoy says Mexicans want to see more done to fight crime
Reuters News Service

MEXICO CITY - U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza said Tuesday that Mexico's border with the United States is under "the yoke" of drug and immigrant smugglers, and that Mexicans want to see authorities do more to combat such crimes.

Garza, whose public statements have drawn rebukes from Mexico in recent weeks, said in an open letter Tuesday that "difficult discussions are inevitable in any long term and significant friendship."

"Mexicans have taken to the streets to protest growing violence in their cities and the border, and they want to see more done to combat criminals and break the yoke that immigrant and drug smugglers have placed on our border region," Garza wrote.

Garza, who was censured by Mexico for comments about last week's incident involving armed men who helped drug traffickers escape back into Mexico, said he has held talks with Mexican officials since then.

"This week I have had several very encouraging conversations with members of the administration of President (Vicente) Fox regarding the methods by which our two nations can cooperate to achieve what is important to us both," Garza wrote.

Mexico has suggested Garza make his comments through diplomatic channels, not publicly.

In apparent reference to that, Garza wrote that "last week I tried to speak honestly and openly about the United States' need for a safe border and legal immigration."