Antonio Garza, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, spoke Monday to a group of American investors in recognition of the need for the United States to work with Mexico in combating drug trafficking. The most important thing to attain success in this front, he says, is that the United States and Mexico are now beyond passing the blame. According to Garza, Mexico needs to continue its stance of no longer tolerating deals between law enforcement and drug traffickers, while the United States needs to reduce demand for the drugs and stop illegal arms traffic going into Mexico. 

Leaders of major Mexican political parties were present, and Leonel Cota Montaño mentioned the importance of combating organized crime in all its forms, and that the responsibility lies with the Mexican federal government as much as the state governments. Beatriz Paredes, president of PRI, expressed that she was not as optimistic as Tony Garza due to the present American economic crisis, and pressure by the United States on this front could have more impact on Mexican immigrants. Story from El Porvenir (in Spanish).

John Walters, U.S. Drug Czar, spoke yesterday in recognition of Mexican President Calderón's efforts in fighting drug trafficking, and expressed understanding of the difficulties faced by the Mexican government in these efforts.

Walters mentioned that the violence in Mexico could escalate before it gets any better, but that this is a sign of desperation among the cartels reflecting the damage caused to them by the government. "For the first time they feel threatened," he said. He also recognized the Mexican government's concern over the trafficking of weapons. The story is available (in Spanish) from El Universal.