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Mexican president backs off drug decriminalization bill

Pravda

Thursday 04 May 2006

---
U.S. officials welcomed Mexican President Vicente Fox's decision not to
sign a drug decriminalization bill that some had warned could result in
"drug tourism" in this country and increased availability of narcotics
in American border communities.

Fox said Wednesday he was sending the bill back to Congress for changes,
just one day after his office had said he would sign into law the
measure, which would have dropped criminal penalties for possession of
small amounts of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and other drugs.

The president will ask for corrections "to make it absolutely clear in
our country, the possession of drugs and their consumption are, and will
continue to be, a criminal offense."

San Diego, California Mayor Jerry Sanders, who had said earlier he was
"appalled" by the bill because it could increase drug availability north
of the border, applauded Fox's decision.

"I'm glad that he's listened to the many voices opposing the bill and
made changes that will make good enforcement and not legalize drugs,"
Sanders said. "We have been a partner with Mexico in fighting against
illegal drugs, and this will only help in the long-term in that
relationship."

San Diego is a short drive from the border town of Tijuana, Mexico.

Earlier Wednesday, U.S. Embassy spokeswoman Judith Bryan said that U.S.
officials had "urged Mexican representatives to review the legislation
urgently, to avoid the perception that drug use would be tolerated in
Mexico, and to prevent drug tourism."

That was apparently a reference to concern that the measure could
increase drug use by border visitors and U.S. students who flock to
Mexico on vacation.

Bryan said the U.S. government wants Mexico "to ensure that all persons
found in possession of any quantity of illegal drugs be prosecuted or be
sent into mandatory drug treatment programs."

Fox's statement did not mention the U.S. criticism, but did acknowledge
that the bill had been controversial.

"With sensitivity toward the opinions expressed by various sectors of
society, the administration has decided to suggest changes to the
content of the bill," the statement said.

On Tuesday, Fox's spokesman had called the bill "an advance" and pledged
the president would sign it.

Congress has adjourned for the summer, and when it comes back, it will
have an entirely new lower house and one-third new Senate members
following the July 2 elections, which will also make Fox a lame duck,
reports the AP.
http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/04-05-2006/79854-Mexican-0

 

 

 

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