Pubdate: Wed, 28 Feb 2001
Source: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram (TX)
Copyright: 2001 Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas
Contact:  400 W. Seventh Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Website: http://www.star-telegram.com/
Forum: http://www.star-telegram.com/comm/forums/
Author: Suzanne Gamboa

PERRY RELUCTANT TO EMBRACE DRUG CERTIFICATION MORATORIUM

ASHINGTON -- Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Tuesday said he was unwilling 
to embrace proposals that would suspend the federal government's 
annual evaluation of Mexico's performance on fighting illegal drugs 
and drug trafficking.

During a news conference with reporters outside the Capitol, Perry 
said he would look at legislation proposing moratoriums, including 
one sponsored by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas.

"I'd be hard pressed, without seeing some clear movement of progress, 
just unilaterally removing it without sitting down and seeing some 
clear direction from Mexico that they are making some progress, on 
not this, but some other issues," Perry said.

Hutchison, who has been considering a run for governor in 2002, has 
filed legislation seeking a one year moratorium on the annual drug 
certification of Mexico.

Hutchison, a Republican, has said that with new presidents in each 
country and with President Bush's knowledge of the U.S.-Mexican 
border, it would be a good time for the two leaders to discuss other 
ways to crack down on trafficking.

Perry, who ascended to governor when President Bush left the job for 
the White House, has said he will seek election as governor in 2002.

For 14 years, Congress has required the president to annually certify 
which countries are cooperating in the fight against drug 
trafficking. Those considered not to be doing enough can be 
"decertified" and face possible sanctions.

Under existing law, the president must prepare a list by Nov. 1 of 
major drug producing or transporting countries. He must decide by 
March 1 whether to certify them.

Sen. Charles Grassley, chairman of the Senate Caucus on International 
Narcotics Control, also has introduced legislation offering some 
changes to drug certification.

The Iowa Republican's legislation would allow the United States to 
focus more on countries with poor records in fighting drugs, sparing 
other countries from the annual critiques.

He is proposing that the Nov. 1 list include only countries that 
violate international drug enforcement standards. If they fail to 
improve by March 1, they could be decertified.

Perry said he wants to continue building on good relations with Mexico.

"My goal is for Mexico to be a full partner with the United States, 
where we don't have concerns about drug trafficking, about the 
environmental impact along the border, about the health and safety of 
our citizens," Perry said. "It's not going to happen overnight, but I 
think we should move in the direction of sending them clear messages 
of: We respect you. You are important to our trade. We need to treat 
them with respect, but also require they live up to their part of the 
bargain."
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MAP posted-by: Kirk Bauer