Mexico worried about getting less US anti-drug aid

The Associated Press
8:39 p.m. March 4, 2009

MEXICO CITY — The Mexican government is concerned about getting less funding for its battle against drug trafficking under a bill passed by the U.S. House.

Deputy Secretary of Foreign Relations Carlos Rico says he is concerned that the bill passed last week allotted $300 million for Mexico under the so-called Merida Initiative.

That is $100 million less than originally agreed upon between the U.S. and Mexican governments.
Rico says the Mexican government will be "very attentive in the next days to see what the Senate decides." He spoke Wednesday to Mexican lawmakers.

The Merida Initiative aims to help Mexico acquire equipment for the drug battle and improve its police and judicial institutions.

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/ ... gs-030409/