http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/miami/16871.html

Fox responds to U.S. intelligence director

El Universal
Sábado 04 de febrero de 2006
Miami Herald, página 1

A day after a U.S. official criticized Mexico´s work in combating organized crime, presidential spokesperson Rubén Aguilar denied that Mexico has been "weak" and said both nations should avoid pointing fingers on border problems.

"The border is there, we will continue to share it forever," said Aguilar in a press conference. "We must resolve problems in a friendly manner that guarantees the security for both countries, and at the same time gives peace of mind to the citizens of both countries."

On Thursday, U.S. Director of Intelligence John Negroponte said Mexico is falling into a "vicious cycle" in its fight against drug traffickers. He said weak governments throughout the world have allowed organized crime to grow, which in turn, undermines the credibility and authority of the state.

He said 90 percent of the cocaine arriving in the United States comes through Mexico.

Negroponte added that Mexico´s elections are extremely important to U.S. interests.

Tension between U.S. and Mexican officials has been high since a Jan. 23 incident in which individuals dressed in Mexican military uniforms were seen moving drugs into the United States.

President Vicente Fox on Friday referred to the ongoing diplomatic exchanges, saying "there are people who appear to have an interest in provoking problems" in U.S.-Mexico relations.

Speaking during a meeting with leaders of the U.S. League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, Fox did not specify who those people were.

"There are people who appear to be interested in distancing us, but that will not occur," Fox told the LULAC delegation, while acknowledging "there are certain signs of tension in the Mexico-United States relationship."

From Paris, France, the secretary of foreign relations, Luis Ernesto Derbez said that Mexico will respond to the "concerns" expressed by Negroponte. He added that he is "convinced" that Mexico has done its part in the fight against criminality.

Federal deputies from the three main political parties said it is inappropriate for Negroponte to speak on Mexico, particularly when the problem of drug trafficking is the responsibility of both countries.