Pubdate: Wed, 12 Dec 2012
Source: Austin American-Statesman (TX)
Copyright: 2012 Austin American-Statesman
Website: http://www.statesman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/32
Author: Katherine Corcoran, Associated Press
Page: A7

MEXICAN PRESIDENT TO BE TOUGH ON DRUGS

MEXICO CITY - Newly elected President Enrique Pena Nieto says he will
continue fighting illegal drug production and trafficking in Mexico,
including marijuana, despite its legalization in two U.S. states and
liberalized use for medical purposes in others.

In an interview late Monday on goals for his new administration, Pena
Nieto was asked if votes to legalize recreational use of marijuana in
Washington state and Colorado would make him rethink Mexico's drug-war
policy.

"The short answer is no," said Pena Nieto, who added that he remains
personally opposed to legalization. "My government will continue
mounting a real fight against the trafficking of marijuana and all
other drugs."

He has proposed focusing on reducing violence in Mexico rather than
capturing top drug lords, a change from his predecessor, Felipe
Calderon. Many have viewed that as a signal that as long as drug gangs
don't attack civilians, they would be left alone.

Murder, extortion and kidnapping skyrocketed under Calderon, with some
estimates reaching 60,000 drug-related killings during his six-year
term. Top Pena Nieto campaign aide Luis Videgaray, now secretary of
the treasury, said in November that the U.S. legalization votes would
complicate Mexico's anti-drug efforts.

But Pena Nieto said his government "in no way will abandon the fight."
He said he is committed to a united front against organized crime,
better coordination among local, state and federal police forces and
completing the overhaul of Mexico's justice system.
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