Thread: Mexico, U.S. officials to meet Thursday over Garza's concern

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/ ... lence.html

Saturday, September 16, 2006 · Last updated 2:23 p.m. PT

Mexico, U.S. officials to meet Thursday

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MEXICO CITY -- Mexican and U.S. officials will meet Thursday to discuss U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza's concerns about growing drug violence in Mexico, the government here said.

In a statement by the Foreign Relations Department late Friday, the Mexican government said it wanted to clarify "discrepancies" in a letter Garza sent a day earlier to the Mexican government.

The ambassador advised U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution when traveling in Mexico because of "the rising level of brutal violence."

On Saturday, U.S. Embassy spokeswoman Judith Bryan didn't have details on the meeting, but said: "We look forward to working with the Mexican government on this subject of great importance to both countries."

The statements came amid a wave of drug-related violence that has claimed more than 1,500 lives this year across Mexico, many in states on the U.S. border.

The bloodshed, which is attributed to rival gangs battling over smuggling routes into the United States, has included beheadings, grenade attacks and execution-style hits on several police chiefs.

Mexico has bristled at Garza's past criticism that the country isn't doing enough to combat crime.

On Friday, President Vicente Fox's spokesman defended Mexico's efforts, saying the country "maintains its permanent and unwavering commitment to the security of those who live in or visit its territory."

They need to arm the National Guard and tell them to shoot any drug smuggler that crosses the border! Drugs are a huge source of income for Mexico's elites....they have NO desire to stop anything.

On Friday, President Vicente Fox's spokesman defended Mexico's efforts, saying the country "maintains its permanent and unwavering commitment to the security of those who live in or visit its territory."

Of course Mexico maintains it's commitment....

It encourages it's criminals to come here!!!! [/quote]