Congress CRS Breif on Mexico US Relations from 2001


PDF


In about the second paragraph, the European Union like suggestions of Vincente Fox are mentioned. There are numerous other disscussions taking place and references to Clinton and Bush 1 and 2. Apparently the Mexicans and global corporations were irritated that this whole terrorism thing would slow down business and illegal immigration.

Trade. NAFTA institutions have been
functioning, trade between the countries has
tripled since 1994, and allegations of violations
of labor and environmental laws have been
considered. While the Clinton and Bush
Administrations have argued that NAFTA has
had modest positive impacts on all three member
countries, public and congressional criticisms
of NAFTA have been factors in the
delay of legislation to give the president fast
track trade negotiation authority. Recent trade
disputes with Mexico have involved trucking,
sugar, telecommunications, and tuna. President
Fox has been urging an expanded European
Union-like conception of NAFTA.
Here is another interesting excerpt:
On November 19, 2001, Mexican National Security Adviser Adolfo Aguilar met with U.S. Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge to discuss cooperative border and security arrangements. On November 20, 2001, Mexican and U.S. foreign affairs officials met to discuss migration issues, with the press reporting that agreements were deferred because of terrorism concerns. On November 27, President Fox received a report from the National Human Rights Commission documenting abuses and disappearances in the 1970s and early 1980s, and he promised the appointment of a Special Prosecutor to prosecute those responsible for the abuses. Around December 1, 2001, the one-year anniversary of his inauguration, President Fox recognized that the economy was struggling because of the global slowdown but argued that respect for law and human rights had advanced and that the basis for economic progress had been established.
He is reviving the G-3 group (Colombia, Venezuela, and Mexico), seeking better ties with the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) countries, and he has sought to expand trade with the European Union under the EU-Mexico Free Trade Agreement that went into effect in July 2000. The Fox Administration has indicated that it will be more aggressive in defending the interests of Mexicans living in foreign countries, particularly those in the United States, and it established a Special Office for Mexicans Abroad. On various occasions, including his post-election visit to the United States, President Fox indicated that he expects to have warm and friendly relations with the United States, and he has called for greater cooperation under NAFTA and for a more open border between the countries over time. In 2001, Presidents Fox and Bush have met in mid-February in Mexico, in mid-April in Canada, in early May in the United States, in early September in the United States on an official state visit, and in early October in the United States for Mexico to express solidarity with the United States following the terrorist attacks. The leaders set in motion procedures to advance progress on trade, migration, drug trafficking, and other issues.