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�THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Mexico City, Mexico)·
For Immediate Release
May 6, 1997
PRESS CONFERENCE OF PRESIDENT CLINTON
AND PRESIDENT ZEDILLO
Los Pinos Presidential Palace
Mexico City, Mexico
1:47 P.M.
(L)
PRESIDENT ZEDILLO:
President Clinton, ladies and gentlemen
from the media from the United States and from Mexico, once again
I would like t6 express the satisfactiori of my government and the
people of Mexico for the visit of President Clinton.
We are
truly very pleased that President Clinton is beginning his tour
here in Latin America starting in Mexico. We are also especially
pleased by the results of the work of the Mexico U.S. Binational
Commission and by the agreement that will be materialized today.
President Clinton and I have heard the rep6rt of the trade
relations between Mexico and the United States.
It is very.
encouraging that from the beginning of NAFTA our trade has
increased over 60 percent, and now accounts for close to $150
billion U.S. dollars per year. And this represents, above all,
more and improved economic opportunities and more and improved
jobs for Mexicans as well as for U.S. citizens.
This is very encouraging in intensifying our efforts in
order to reach agreement in the.fields that are still pending.
This effort has also encouraged us to reaffirm the commitment to
NAFTA and to work so that. at the summit meeting in Chile next
year we will provide an important impulse to a creation of free
trade in the American continent.
The Mexican government is very pleased with the agreements
we have reacheq in order to promote educational, scientific and
cultural 'exchanges, as well as to protect the environment and
nature, particularly along the border area, our common border.
These agreements prove that we are united by interest in the
conditions in which our communities live -- the conditions of the
health and the safety of the families.
�2
We are particularly satis£ied that President Clinton and I
will be signing the Declaration of the Mexican U.S. Alliance
Against Drugs.
Our alliance will be based on mutual trust and on
our commitment as heads of state that the collaboration between
our countries will progress in keeping with fundamental
principles.
These principles include:
the absolute respect of
sovereignty and territorial jurisdiction of Mexico and of the
United States; shared responsibility in facing the problem of
illegal drugs and related crimes such as money laundering and
weapons trafficking; a comprehensive fight against drugs,
attaching the same priority to all aspects of the problem;
balance and reciprocity in actions, programs and guidelines to
take on the threat of drugs in both countries; and effective law
enforcement in both nations.
Based on these principles and based on the joint assessments
today -- President Clinton and I .both received this
Mexico and the United States now has a shared vision of the
magnitude of the problem and we share the will to combat the
problem with all of the resources within our reach.
we
r~ceived
The declaration we will be signing contains specific
objectives. We h~ve given instructioris to our governments to
prepare a common strategy in order to .follow through with the
objectives and to prepare plans for reciprocal implementation. A
particularly pleasing aspect is that the declaration includes the
intention to work together, jointly, in order to have a
hemispheric agreement against illegal trafficking of weapons, and
also an agreement for· the extraordinary U.N. Assembly on Drugs
next year.
The Mexican government appreciates the sensitivity of
President Clinton in terms of the Mexicans' rights and the
dignity of.Mexicans in his country.
Thus, it is very pleasing
that, .today, we will also sign a Joint Declaration on Migration.
For the past two years, our governments have made important
progress in dealing bilaterally with issues such as consular
protection and the human rights of migrants, as well as the
efforts to combat trafficking in human beings.
Today we have
reaffirmed the commitment of both governments to strengthen
bilateral cooperation in order to deal with the migration
phenomenon.
We have agreed to base our work on three basic principles.
One, the soveteign right of every nation to apply its migration
laws however it deems most appropriate for its national
interests, alw~ys in keeping with international law ~nd in a
spirit of bilateral cooperation.
The second principl~ is that of
absolute compliance with the objectives of the memorandum of
�3
understanding on consular protection of Mexicans in the United
States, which was signed almost one year ago, particularly in the
respect of human rights of migrants. And the third principle is
to deal with the migration phenomenon in a comprehensive view
which is mutually beneficial and will make it possible to
conserve family unity and to protect the dignity of human beings.
Based on these principles, this establishes the commitments
of our governments to protect the rights of migrants and to
promote the procurement of justice for migrants, as well as the
respect of due legal process _in the applic~tion -or the
enforcement of migration laws.
There is·also a shared commitment
.to ensure safe repatriation and orderly repatriation of migrants
and apply new measures to reduce violence along the border, and
to combat trafficking in human beings and falsification of
documents.
·
In order to ensure a comprehensive view on migration~ we
will.examine scientific analysis which will be the result of
binational cooperation.
This reflects the cooperation and the
goodwill of our governments to create a border whose communities
are joined by friendship and cooperation, not by conflict. We
want appropriate, just and harmonious development.
The visit of
President Clinton and the agreements signed and to be signed are
a firm step in our relationship of friendship, respect and
cooperation which· will benefit both Mexico _and the United States.
Once again I would like to thank President Clinton for his
visit and also ask him to address you at this time, before we
take the questions from our'friends from the media.
PRESIDENT CLINTON:
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. President.
To all the members of the Mexican government here and our hosts,
the members of the American delegation., the members. of the
Cabinet administration and the members of Congress.
This is my
first trip to Mexico as President, my fifth occasion to be in
your country in my lifetime, and I'm very pleased to be back. As
you know, I had planned to be here a month ago, but I literally
got a bad break and couldn't come.
So I;m very happy that we're
able to consummate this trip today.
As President Z~dillo has said just a short while ago, we
heard the reports of the United States Mexico Binational
Commission, a remarkable Cabinet level group .·that oversees the
day to day interaction of our governments.
The presentations
demonstrate vividly the remarkable depth and breadth of our
relationship.
No two countries are working together on more
important issues, with a more direct effect on the lives of their
people than Mexico and the United States.
�4
The reports demonstrate that for the most part, we do agree
on the opportunities and the problems before us, and in a few
moments the President and I will sign joint declarations on drugs
and migration.
They demonstrate that, more than in the past, we
also agree on .solutions and that we are prepared to carry forward
our c9operation to a higher level.
We share more than a 2,000 mile border, and, more
importantly, we also share a vision of what the border should be
in the 21st century -- a safe, clean, efficient model of
prosperity and cooperation joining our people, not a barrier that
divides them.
The Joint Declaration on Migration makes clear that we both
see our border as a dynamic living space, with complex problems
to be sure and real opportunities, both of which require a
comprehensive approach.
The declaration commits both our
governments to improve how we manage the border. We will ensure
that the human r.ights of all migrants are respected, regardless
of their status, expand public information campaigns warning
migrants of dangerous crossings, reduce violence and criminality
at the border, and combat the-terrible practice of alien
smuggling.
The issue of immigration raises passions on both sides of
our border.
I'm proud of our tradition of generous legal
immigration.
I will do everything I can to preserve-it.
I
deeply believe that America's diversity is our greatest source of
strength for the future.
There is no more powerful proof of that
than the remarkab.le contributions Mexican Americans have made to
our country in every walk of life and to my administration.
But to maintain safe and orderly immigration and to .do
justice by the hundreds of thousands of people who legally
immigrate to the United States every year, we must take effective
action to stop illegal immigration. Our new immigration law will
help us to do that.
In, applying the law and in our overall
approach to immigration, we must balance .control with common
sense and compassion.
I am very pleased that the balanced budget agreement I
reached ·With our Congress last week restores certain benefits to
some legal immigrants. .I will continue to work with Congress to
correct some aspects of the. immigration law. We will ensure
respect for human' rights and seek to apply the law humanely, with
special concern for children and for families.
There will be no
mass deportations and no disciimination. But I .am also
determined to help our ·southern neighbors make the most .of their
rich economic and social potential, because, ultimately, that's
�5
the best way to give people the confidence they need. to make
their futures at home.
President
Against Drugs.
both face, the
are not simply
they simply an
we must find a
Zedillo and I will also sign a Joint Alliance
With this alliance, we recognize the dangers we
responsibilities we both share.
Illegal narcotics
a Mexican problem -- far from it.
But neither are
American problem. They are our common problem ·and
common solution.
The alliance takes our already unprecedented cooperation to
a new level.
It respects the law~ and sovereignty of our
countries, while committing us to 15 concrete goals, to put in
place a shared strategy by the end of this year.
We've agreed to
intensify our work on money laundering investigations, to
increase our cooperation on extraditions, to facilitate trials on
both sides of the border, to apply profits seized from drug
traffickers directly to law enforcement purposes, and to step up
our fight against gun running, including a hemispheric agreement
·outlawing the trafficking in illegal arms.
These two declarations prove that we can work through our
problems in ways that work for both of us. But this relationship
is about far more.than resolving our problems.
It's about
seizing the real opportunities to make our people more prosperous
and more secure on the edge of a new century. ·That's what we did
with NAFTA, which has helped to raise our exports to Mexico to an
all time high and helped Mexico to-bounce back from a wrenching
recession that caused great hardship to people here.
Now, as President Zedillo and I agreed, we must push forward
on NAFTA's promise to help us clean up the environment,
especially along the border, and to improve working conditions
and safeguard worker rights on both sides of the ·border.
I'm especially pleased wiih the new steps we have taken to
protect the environment and to promote education.
The United
States will provide $170 million in Environmental Protection
Agency funds for border water projects. We will work with Mexico
to attract private sector investments and pollution prevention.
We will work to preserve endangered species and natural forests.
We have also· agreed to expand the Fulbright Scholarship
program -- a favorite one of mine because it was named for my
mentor and one of the most outstanding people ever to come from
my home state.
This will double the number of Fulbright scholars
for Mexicans studying the United States, with a special .focus on
science and technology.
�6
Our partnership with Mexico for opportunity, security and
prosperity is fundamental to the future of both our peoples.
Today we have strengthened that partnership.
Our prospect for
shaping that future for the children are brighter, and I feel
very, very good about what we have done and quite optimistic
about what we will do in the days and years ahead.
Thank you, Mr. President.
(The declaration is signed.)
Q
I would like to address my question to President
Clinton.
President Clinton, are you concern~d by the elections
which will take place here in Mexico next June, and particularly,
can you imagine a congress in Mexico without a pre maj6rit~?
PRESIDENT CLINTON:
I'm actually more concerned about the
American Congress.
(Laughter.)
Let me say, 1 applaud the
movement toward political reform and electoral reform in Mexico
just as I have applauded and supported the movement toward
economic reform.
The judgments in the election are for the Mexican people to
make and for all the rest of us who support democracy and freedom
and human rights to support.
I welcome the fact that so many
observers have been invited here to watch it take place, and I
respect President Zedillo for supporting this process.
Q
President Zedillo and President Clinton, a U.N. report
out last month, just last month, said that the extensive focus on
free market economic reforms by thenrselves have failed to lift
much of Latin America, including Mexico out of poverty -- the
population out of poverty -- and it suggests that more attention
needs to be spent on .social spending as at least a complimentary
action.
I'm wondering if you agree with that assessment, if you feel
that maybe your extensive focus on free market reforms need to be
balanced in any degree, and if you can offer any kind of
prediction on how many years into the future it will be before
the countries of Latin America and Mexico specifically reach the
level of society wide economic prosperity, that issue~ that
you've been dealing with such as immigration and drug trafficking
largely dry up on their own or begin to dry up on their own.
Thank you.
PRESIDENT ZEDILLO:
Thank you very much.
I will let others
talk about the situation of other sister nations in Latin America
~nd I'll refer to the case of Mexico.
One of the reasons why we
Mexicans have been reinforcing our economic structure -~ and this
�7
has taken place for just over 10 years -- is precisely being able
to have a material base which arises from vigorous and sustained
economic growth so as to be able to support more ambitious social
policies which will make it possible to more effectively combat
poverty and inequality, which are the problems that our nation is
suffering from.
I think it's very important to underscore the fact that many
social problems, many of the problems of inequality and poverty
in Mexico today -- and I think there are other countries of Latin
America suffering them as .well -- their basic source is found in
government policies which in past decades stressed go~ernment
contrbl over economic processes too much~
The long period of
stagnation in our economy cannot be tied to, nor should it be
tied in any way, to the processes of economic liberalization -quite the contrary.
I think that thanks to these policies of opening up towards
foreign countries and the internal liberalization of our
economies, and also adjusting the size of the Mexican government
as far as the control of the economy is concerned means that we
will now be able to open up a'period of sustained growth, dynamic
growth, which will make it possible for us to expand the reach,
the objectives, the sense and the results of our social policies.
Q
President Clinton, are you familiar with a list of
Mexicans that are e~traditable and would you be willing to review
the extradition treaty?
President Zedillo, does this new relationship imply a new
concept of sovereignty?
PRESIDENT CLINTON: Well, let me say that we have enjoyed an
unprecedented amount of cooperation related to common criminal
and drug problems in a way designed to strengthen our
sovereignty, not to undermine it.
So we have worked with Mexico
in grievous cases on extraditions and I appreciate that, just as
we are trying to .work with Mexico in providing helicopters to
support eradication, or computer technology to help Mexico work
with us on money laundering, or working on the preventive aspects
of the narcotics problem. So I believe that extradition
partnerships that are fair, equal and balanced reinforce a
nation's sovereignty, they don't weaken it. And it's an
important part of our long term strategy to work together on the
drug issue.
Terry.
Q
Mr. President, I'd like to ask you about a question
back in the United States. The Whitewater prosecutors assert
�8
that Mrs. Clinton's testimony on several issues has changed ove·r
time or differs from that of other witnesses.
Do you have any
idea of what the discrepancies might be? And what does this
suggest to you about the course of the investigation? Is it
becoming more t~oublesome for Mrs. Clinton?
PRESIDENT CLINTON:
Q
No and no.
Why is that, sir?
'
PRESIDENT CLINTON: Well, you've been watching it for years
if you don't know, I can't help you.
Q
President, four years after NAFTA was signed, are the
terms fully enforced, or do you believe that it is necessary to
carry out any changes, amendments, or are some of the clauses
obsolet~?
Thank you.
PRESIDENT ZEDILLO: I believe that the North American Free
Trade Agreement has performed very clearly in keeping with the
objectives that the three countries participating in the
agreement had decided on. And proof of this are the figures of
the three countries, the trade figures of the three countries.
Just a moment ago I mentioned that in bilateral trade alone
between the United States and Mexico during NAFTA trade has grown
over 60 percent -- that is, almost close to 70 perqmt. And that
is despite the fact that in 1995 in our country we had an
economic recession.
Thus, I believe that the terms under which NAFTA was
negotiated were very good terms. And I think that within the
agreement we have very clear and transparent mechanisms to deal
with any kind of dispute, and I believe that at this time there
is no significant reason from the Mexican perspective to review
the contents of NAFTA.
If you'll allow me, because just a moment ago one question
went unanswered, the sec6nd part of your question.
I would
merely like to say that under no circumstances does this new
understanding based on respect between Mexico and the United
·states, in no way does it mean that the concept of sovereignty
has changed -- on the contrary.
It is very pleasing for me as a
President and as a representative of the people of Mexico that in
a document which we just signed, that President Clinton and I
just signed, respecting this alliance against drugs, the first
principle which we mutually recognize is -- and I will read it
is the absolute respect for the ~overeignty and territorial
jurisdiction of both Mexico and the United States of America.
�9
Q
Mr. President, as has been discussed a great deal in
the last two da.ys, the two nations have a long history together
and sensitivities have grown up as a result of involvement with
one another, including involvement during 0ar.
La~er today, .you
will be laying a. wreath at the tomb of Mexican cadets who were
actually boys at the time that they died at the hands of American
troops.
This is one of those issues in which the Mexicans have
been very sensitive.
These boys are heroes, and are seen
basically as children who died in war.
My question is, are you going there and laying that wreath
in any way as a gesture of apology or atonement for action by the
U.S. military?
PRESIDENT CLINTON:
I'm.going there as a gesture of respect
not only respect for ·their lives, but respect for the
patriotism and the integrity of the people who have served this
country.
President Truman went there as well when he was here, and
it's my understanding that no one has gone since. But I think
other heads of states regularly go there, and I do not believe
the President of the United Stat~s should decline to go because
of what happened between our two countries a long time ago.
You know, we are trying to heal the wounds of war with
nations with whom w~ fought even more recently.
I'm sending Pete
Peterson, who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam for over six
years, to Vietnam.as·the new ambassador.
It seems to me that if
the United States wants to lead the world in the direction we say
we do, then it is imperative .for us to respect our friends and
neighbors especially, in countries around the world, and honor
their symbols of national honor. And I'm proud to be able to do
this.
.
Let me just sa~, since the President· clarified an answer he
gave, let me say to Mr. Huht I did not mean to be flippant.
What
I meant to say was I ·know of no factual discrepancy, period. ·I
am unaware of one. But if you took the four of you sitting there
together on the front row and got you all together again, 13 to
19 years later and asked you precisely what happened on this day,
you might have slightly different memories.
I have no idea that
there is any such discrepancy, but I have no reason to be
concerned about it whatever. W~'~e both done our best to answer
all the questions that were asked of us, and already tens of
millions of dollars have been spent on this, and I am just
perfectly comfortable with where we are.
Q
President Clinton, the question is regarding what you
just mentioned, that is that you would be working with your
�10
Congress on some aspects of the migration law. What aspects
wbuld these be, and h~w would they ben~fit our citizens in the.
United States?
PRESIDENT CLINTON: Well, let me just say, first of all,
we've cleared a big hurdle, I think, in the budget agreement,
dealing with the eligibility of legal immigrants for public
assistance when, through no fault of their own, they're put into
some distress. And then there are a number of other issues which
have been raised about the administration of this law and the
extent to which it might prompt in a way that Congress never
really intended the virtual permanent breakup of families,
especially the people who maybe had visas even there to come into
the country in the first place.
So I'm working with Congress on it. But I hope you will
understand when I tell you that since this is such a terrifically
emotional issue, until we have a clear approach and'I understand
who. is on what side here, the more I say about it, I might be
endangering my chances to succeed.
I think we all know what the
most significant potential problems of the law are.
I still
support its fundamental traditions.
I support -- I'm glad I -- I
would sign the law again tomorrow if I had to because it gives us
the ability to control our borders better, to get illegal
immigrants out of the workplace and to take illegal immigrants
who come into the criminal justice system and remove them
quicker.
So I think that's all to the good.
I'm concerned about undue family breakup and disqualifying
people who may not deserve it virtually permanently from applying
for citizenship.
Q
A question for both men. Have you resolved the issue
of whether American drug agents operating in Mexico can carry
sidearms for their own protection? And if you have, given the
level of trust -- or distrust -- between our two countries, such
that it takes a presidential meeting to resolve an issue like
that, why should any"one believe that the United States and Mexico
would be able to cooperate, exchange highly sensitive
intelligence information on drug trafficking or drug smuggling,
or is the talk of cooperation just that -- talk?
PRESIDENT ZEDILLO:
If you will allow me, in the declaration
that we've just signed, that President Clinton and I have just
signed, it is very clear on two aspects.
The first aspect,
having to do with the principles -- and I referred to them a
moment ago, but I will refer to· them again -- and that is the
absolute respect for the sovereignty and territorial jurisdiction
of both Mexico and· the United States.
�11
And the other aspect, which is very import~nt for the
Mexican government and is expressed as one of the specific tasks
to be. undertaken by both governments, and it reads, literally,
"The governments will do whatever necessary to ensure the
protection of the officials in charge of enforcing the law." And
this naturally is on both sides of the border, applicable for
both sides of the border.
This principle and this recommendation which we've·made to
our governments must be translated into practical measures which
obviously are in keeping with both of the previously mentioned
principles.
I have .already answered this question~ the question
that you've put me, in the. past, and I can assure you that we
will comply both with the principles that both governments have
agreed to, as well. as with the objective of providing these
people with safety.
Naturally, it would not be appropriate for us to refer to
the specific mechanisms with which within the principle for the
respective sovereignty we will be protecting these law
enfor~ement agents.
I am sure that President Clinton, nor
myself, would ever make public the details which might jeopardize
the safetY of these people. Yet our commitment .in both areas is
very clear.
PRESIDENT CLINTON:
-- the second half of your question.
You said why should anyone believe that we can work together.
And let's be frank here among friends.
On the American side the
problems are 0e have less than five percent of the world's
population and we consume about half the drugs. And we're more
than happy every year, American citizens, to give billions of
dollars that winds up in the hands of narco traffickers.
That's
our big problem. Our second problem is that while we are
increasing our· capacity to deal with it, we have not succeeded in
reducing the demand or completely controlling the border on our
side.
Now, the Mexican problem is that narco traffickers can
destroy the fabric of civil society.
They can undermine the
integrity of any society. And they go after places with open
.spaces and a vulnerability to organize money and violence. And.
so .they also have to worry about corruption, as anyone would
targeted with that kind of money.
But you say how can we rely on them to cooperate.
Let me
talk about some facts that we never -- that we under report. And
I don't mean that as a criticism; I mean we do, too, we in public
life. We now have 202 cooperative money laundering ventures
going now; 54 of them are complete, joint investigations.
Last
year, 200 law enforcement officers in Mexico lost their lives in
�12
the line of duty -- 200. And extraditions, seizures,
prosecutions and eradications are all up in the last year.
So I believe that this government is trying to work with us.
And I believe that the.chances of our succeeding .in dealing with
our problems; and the chances of their succeeding in dealing with
their problems are dramatically heightened if we work together -and be honest about our problems, but also not deny good faith
efforts when they exist. All those 200 people had families that
grieved for them.
They laid down their lives trying to fight -roll back the narco traffickers, roll back corruption, roll back
crime. And it seems to me that their lives·alone are evidence
that we ought to be working to cooperate.
PRESIDENT ZEDILLO:
take one last question.
In view of the time constraints, we will
Q
Thank you. Good afternoon.
President Zedillo, in view
of the magnitude of the fight against drug trafficking, is it
possible that Mexico will accept the $6 million in cash offered
by the. United States to combat drugs as an additional resource to
combat drug trafficking?
And, President Clinton, how did your view or your vision of
Mexico change when you arrived here after your meeting with
President Zedillo, and particularly, what was your concept after
having visited the Museum of Anthropology? Thank you.
PRESIDENT ZEDILLO:
In terms of the principle of mutual
respect and cooperation that the United States of America and
Mexico have developed in fighting drug trafficking, there have
been different occasions on which we have received material
support for this struggle, which is a struggle that we all
participate in.
I am not informed of the details of the resources that
you've mentioned.
I am sure that within the context of the
agreement that we have reached we will examine in all det~il this
offer, and in keeping with the principles and objectives that
I've mentioned we will reach a decision in this regard.
PRESIDENT CLINTON:
Let me briefly say that I don't know
that my view of our relationship has changed since I got here
yesterday afternoon, but I have been reinforced in my conviction
that we can make progress on all these fronts as long as we do it
in a genuine atmosphere of mutual respect, and as long as we're
completely honest about our differences and willing to work hard
to overcome them, and we tell the people the facts about the
progress we are making and the problems we have.
So I feel very
much reassured.
�13
.And in terms of going to the Anthropological Museum, I
haven.'t been there since the 1970s.
I was a young man in a
different line of work back then. And I think the President can
tell you that I think I kept him about an hour longer than I was
supposed to, and I would probably still be there if it were up to
me.
But I hope the Mexican people are'very proud of that because
it shows, even to an outsider like me, the remarkable cultures
which were the foundation of modern Mexico. And it certainly
gave me a deeper appreciation for the richness and depth of this
country's history and the incredible talents and gifts of its
people ..
PRESIDENT ZEDILLO:
THE PRESIDENT:
Many thanks.
One more -- equal time?
(Laughter.)
Q Mr. President, you mentioned the responsibilities that
the United States bears for the international drug problem
because of .the massive demand in the United States. Can you give
us som~ of your ~deas -- id~as of new efforts that you might have
to help to combat this big demand?
THE PRESIDENT:
First of all, let me say, I have --we could
talk all day about this, and I have to be brief. But the first
thing I would urge you to do is to never forget the plan that
General McCaffrey has filed now, because General McCaffrey is a
military man and when he files a plan, that's his mission and he
intends to follow it. And if you look at our budget, and if you
look at our priorities, we're trying to implement it.
But let me just mention two points, if I might.
Number one,
we are trying with the work of ·the Attorneys General of the two
countries and our drug operations to intensify our cooperation
~ith Mexico and to work more effectively with other countries to
prevent drugs at their source or in transit.
Number two, we are focusing on our young people. We know
that we have -- and we thank God for it -- we know we've had a
big decline in drug use amorig people between the ages of. 18 and
34. So now we have to focus on the young. And that means more
education, more testing, more treatment. And it means that we
have to have a comprehensive juvenile justice youth development
program in every community in the United States.
That's one of the reasons I strongly supported the Summit of
Service in Philadelphia, because I believe if they really want to
do the things that we all said we wanted to do, there will have
to be a community based initiative that the federal government
�14
supports in every community to keep our kids alive and keep them
off drugs.
So we have to do our part.
doing
And I'm firmly committed to
it~
Thank you.
PRESIDENT ZEDILLO:
Muchas gracias.
END
2:30P.M.
(L)
(Applause.)
�THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secr~tary
(Mexico City, Mexico)
. For Immediate Release
May 6, 1997
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT CLINTON, ..
PRESIDENT ZEDILLO,
U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE ALBRIGHT,
MEXICO SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS JOSE GURRIA,
MEXICO ATTORNEY GENERAL JORGE MADRAZO,
U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL JANET RENO,
AND GENERAL BARRY MCCAFFREY
UPON RECEIVING BINATIONAL COMMISSION REPORT
Lopez Mateos Room
Los Pinos Presidential Palace
Mexico C~ty, Mexico
11: 10· A.M.
(L)
ATTORNEY GENERAL MADRAZO:
Dr. Ernesto Zedillo, President of
the United Mexican States; Mr. William Jefferson Clinton,
President of the United States of America; distinguished members
of the Mexican and U.S. delegations; ladies and ·gentlemen:
Drug
trafficking is one of the worst evils of our time.
It generates
great violence which is reflected in the lives that are lost, the
futures that are severed, the homes that are broken, the
institutions which are corrupted, the young people who lose·their
course, the young·people whose future becomes obscured as well as
uncertainty of thousands of families and communities.
The President of Mexico has justly described drug
trafficking as the main threat to our national security.
Beyond
the intensical legal, political and international reasons, drug
trafficking and'the use of drugs by those who are the victims of
drugs on a da.ily basis represents a fundamentally human problem
as well as a problem of society at large.
If we understand it is so for the government to effectively
to work in benefit of its people, the struggle against drugs must
receive the highest priority. Nothing can replac~ the effort .
that each country must carry out against drug trafficking.
No
one can carry out the path that we are each responsible for.
Nevertheless, drug trafficking is a complex phenomenon and an
�2
international phenomenon and, thus, the success in combatting
drug trafficking depends on harmonizing our efforts in the
actions of each nation.
Mexico and the United States share a great responsibility in
the struggle against drug trafficking and in abating the use of
drugs.
This is a responsibility which emerges from its intensive
proximity with the United States in identifying the true common
e~emy, which must place us in a partnership situation as allies.
Historically, alliances are based on the respect of national
sovereignty, on the dignity of the people and the reciprocal
trust and everyday exercise or implementation .of laws.
The true
and long lasting alliances do not make the differences of the
allies disappear; however, they know how to help them come
together.
They do not forget the history of each one, but
underscore the actions which will make it possible to meet the
common goals.
In the joint diagnosis carried out by Mexico and the United
States on the thre~t of the drug phenomenon which is the result
of the high level contact group established between the two
countries and which we are now placing in th~ hands of our heads
of state -- this is an example of the fact that we are speaking
the same language; that it is precisely this forum, the forum in
which, through dialogue, we will be able to share efforts and
share experiences, we will be able to set goals and courses, we
will be able to deal with discrepancies and assess the results of
change.
Yesterday, in the·course of the 14th meeting of the
Binational Commission of Mexico and the United States, these were
th~ principles which were ratified, the criteria which were
sp~cified arid the hopes which were shared.
The efforts which Mexico has carried out against drug
trafficking are quite obvious. We ha~e modernized and updated
our legislation and our practices in important fields such as the
dealing legally with users of organized crime -- mo~ey
laundering, identifying suspicious financial operations. And in
Mexico we are openly combatting -- and corruption and we are
reorganizing and cleaning up the agencies dedicated to the fight
against drugs. ' The premise is that this pact must be carried out
honestly, efficiently, loyally and with conviction.
· Much has been done; much has been accomplished. Yet, there
is more yet to be done.
The deviation of chemical precursors and
the production of synthetic drugs, trafficking of weapons and the
dismantling of drug cartels, the seizure and detention of
fugitives who cross both sides of our borders, and legal,
�3
effective collaboration and reciprocal mutual legal assistance
are fields in which binational cooperation must yet be improved.
A significant decrease in the consumption of drugs must be
the backbone in order to do away with the chain of drug
trafficking in the phases of production, circulation and ·
distribution.
If there is a political will and mutual trust, if
there is dialogue and cooperation with a precise strategy and
clear goals which are susceptible to joint periodical assessment,
it is not only possible, but ~ure, that we will make progress in
our common goal in benefit of the people who, as civil servants,
we owe our work to.
Thank you very much.
GENERAL MCCAFFREY:
President Clinton, President Zedillo,
distinguished members of the Cabinets of the United States and
Mexico, and distinguishe0 guests:
(speaks in Spanish.)
Let me
continue in my somewhat better English, Mr. President.
Today I am pleased to report that we have finished a meeting
of the highest ranking U.S. Mexican counterdrug delegation ever
assembled.
The meeting was extremely productive. Under the
leadership of Secretary Albright, Secretary Gurria, Attorneys
General Madrazo and Reno, and the 'other members of the high level
contact group, we engaged one another in an atmosphere of trust,
mutual respect and dedication and cooperation. We have set a
standard that will serve us well.
The two of you as Presidents ¢ecided last March that it was
appropriate to form this high level contact group in order to
bring a consistent Cabiriet level focus to our shared drug
problem.
Over the past year we have worked continuously to
develop a shared viewpoint of the drug threat, and a consensus on
how to make progress against its full cooperation.
Today we are releasing a binational drug threat assessment
that outlines that shared view of the drug problem.
Its major ,
findings include, first, a recognition that illicit drug abuse,
traffic and production pose serious threats to the national
s9vereignty and citizens of our two nations; second, an
understanding of the effect that U.S. demand for illegal drugs
has on international drug trafficking; third, an assessment of
drug production and trafficking activities in our two nations;
fourth, estimates of the scope of dr~g related activities, such
as money laundering and arms trafficking. And then, finally, the
threat assessment as an appreciation of the social and criminal
consequences of drug abuse and trafficking in our two nations.
�4
This threat assessment we be.lieve is a candid assessment of
the nature of the problems we must cooperatively solve.
Its very
candor reflects the seriousness of our joint commitment to. better
protect our peoples and our social and political institutions
from the drug menace.
Please allow me to briefly summarize how the United States
intends to do its part to eliminate the drug threat.
First, we
will continue to make our absolut~ priority the reduction of U.S.
demand for illegal drugs. We recognize that the $5~ billion our
U.S. ci'tizens spend on cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine,
marijuana and other drugs are a major part of the equation whose
sum is crime, corruption and death.
However, over the past decade, the United States has reduced
the number of U.S. drug users by one half. Casual cocaine use
has dropped by 75 percent. We want every U.S. citizen to
understand that when they purchase an illegal drug they are
initiating a charige reaction whose effects are felt in Mexico,
Colombia, Peru, ,Thailand and all the other countries that are
afflicted by international drug criminals.
We also intend to continue enforcing our extremely tough
antidrug laws. We will not tolerate drug t~afficking or
predatory behavior by chronic drug users or traffickers.
We are
serious about using our criminal justice system to break the
cycle of drugs and crime. We will.also incorporate treatment and
prevention programs in our criminal justice system to further
reduce 'the number of casual and· chronic drug users~
Finally, we will continue to support cooperative antidrug
efforts such as this U.S. Mexican partnership and other regional
counterdrug efforts. We understand·that few nations can stand up
to this international problem by themselves. We recognize we
will only succeed by working together.
We have also submitted for the two President's joint
consideration a declaration of alliance that will orient the
joint U.S. Mexico response to this serious drug problem. We
believe it is important to publicly highlight the principles on
which we intend to move forward.
Our joint count~rdrug efforts
will be marked by absolute respect for the sovereignty and
territorial jurisdiction of our two nations, and also an
integrated approach ~nd an adherence to the rule of law in both
nations.
Through this binational drug threat assessment we pledge to
vigorously pursue a comprehensive counterdrug effort that will
bette~ protect the citizens pf our two great nations.
�5
And now, with your permission, Attorney General Madrazo and
I will formally present you with the Spanish and English versions
of our binational drug threat assessment.
(The assessm.ent is presented.)
(Applause.)
ATT.ORNEY GENERAL RENO:
Presidents Zedillo and Clinton,
Secretaries Gurria and Albright, and other distinguished guests:
It is with great pleasure that I present to you the conclusions
of the working group on migration and consular affairs.
Judging from these conclusions and my experience with this
working group over the last several years, I can attest that it
is a group true to its name; it works very, very hard.
It has
proven to be an invaluable forum for frank and constructive
exchange on a broad range 6f migration matters, and for producing
concrete.actions and strong and enduring relationships.
The
proof of the strength of our relationship is that there are times
when we agree to disagree, but we keep the communication·alive.
Mexico is the source country for the largest number of legal
immigrants to the United States. We are a nation of immigrants
and we are proud of that tradition.· From our diversity we gain
our strength. At the same time, in order to keep avenues for
legal immigration open, we must be able to enforce our laws
against illegal immigration.
Over the last year, the working group has·served as a forum
for shared views on the new immigration law.
The new immigration
law gives the United States important tools for protecting our
borders, for enforcing sanctions against those who exploit
individuals in the workplace, for penalizing smugglers who prey
upon people's hopes and dreams, and for removing criminal aliens
and others whose right to remain in the country has expired.
During the course of the year, Secretary Gurria has
vigorously represented his government's concerns with the new
law. We have ~ppreciated these perspectives. We have shared our
implementing procedures in detail and done our best to address ·
many of your government's concerns. We, like Mexico, r.ecognize
the sovereign right of every state to formulate and enforce its
immigration laws.
As we have told Secretary Gurria, there is no question that
while the new immigration law changes the way the INS does its
work, our commitment to sustaining our immigration tradition does
not change. We are committed to implementing the new law in a
way that is fair and humane. We will ·respect the dignity and
human rights of all Mexican nationals and others affected by the
law. All individuals will receive due process of law.
There
�6
will be no targeting of nationalities. We will continue our
special concern for the .needs of children and families.
We will
not tolerate abuse of migrants.
We are committed to implementing the new law in a way that
fully honors our bilateral obligations, particularly with respect
to guaranteeing consular access to our respective nationals.
The
memor~ndum of understanding on consular protection, signed here
in Mexico City last year, signifies our shared commitment to
principles of consular protection and for protecting the safety
and the security of both our nationals as they travel between our
beautiful nations~
We have shared with your government the broad outlines of an
negotiated last week between the executive and
legislative branches concerning a balanced U.S. budget.
This
agreement, which must now be enacted into law, will restore
eligibility for certain·federal benefits for certain legal
immigrants in the United States .
~greement
.
We share a commitment to reduce violence at the border,
protect victims of traffickers and to combat forgers of
documents. We will continue to develop eff~ctive mechanisms
information and exchange, and we will strengthen the
consultations mechanisms between INS and Mexican consuls to
ensure that if problems occur there is a way to solve them.
have agreed to hold a special series of meetings in the fall
further discuss implementation of the new .law.
to
for
We
to
We are also following through on the regional plan of attion
we set into motion last year to combat migrant trafficking on a
regional front.
The Regional Conference on Migration, another
concrete expression of the success of our dialogue, and so
successfully chairedby the Mexican government last year,
strengthened our efforts to protect human rights and develop new
ways to address the migration issue in a comprehensive and
coo~erative manner.
We look forward to the results of the Binational Commission
study and will have a special summer meeting to discuss this
report. What we learn from. the binational study will help to
further strengthen our partnership in addressing the broad range
of migration issues and allow us to continue building a vision
for the future of our shared border.
Thank you, Mr. President.
SECRETARY GURRIA: Mr·. Presidents, a high priority has been
attached to migration on our bilateral agenda, and as well as the
respect and protection of migratory workers, human and labor
�7
rights.
The issue involves the quality of life of millions of
people, the integrity of their families and their dighity.
In
this area, as in none other of our complex bilateral relations,
our dialogue has had to overcome conflicting approaches and
differing strategies .
. our starting point-- our common starting point has been
acknowledging that every country has the right to determine and
enforce its migratory laws in keeping with its own inteiests and
in compliance with international law regarding human rights.
Nevertheless, with the exception of this coincidence, our
policies have diverged.
For many years, while one country
favored containment measures, the other broadened and
strengthened the mechanisms to protect migrant workers.
That is why, since.the beginning of President Zedillo's
administration, we adopted a different approach within the
working group on migration and consular affairs. We begin an
process of dialogue and permanent consultation in different
fields, such as facilitating orderly crossings between the border
communities, the repatriation of migrants, the figh.t against
·
trafficking in human beings, regional cooperation on migratory
issues and, especially, consular protection of the human rights
of our Mexican nationals.
In this regard, Mexico highly values the signing on May 7,
1996 of the memorandum of understanding on consulate protection
of nationals and the creation of consultation mechanisms between
the INS regional agents and Mexican con~uls based in the United
States.
However, this has been insuffici~nt.
Today, we start a new
era in bilateral cooperatiori on migratory issues, which will gain
unprecedented momentum as a result of the ]oint declaration that
Presidents Zedillo and' Clinton have decided to sign.
This new era will be characterized by a spirit of
cooperation that favors consultation over unilateral action. As
a result of our Presidents' directives or mandates, we have set
the common goal of adopting a comprehensive approach toward
migration, tak~ng into accbunt the economic, social and cultural
causes, as well as its effect on both sides. of the border.
We will have as guiding principles the respect for human
rights of all migrants, regardless of their migratory status and
the observance of.the bilateral and multilateral.commitments of
both of our governments.
The mandate of the Presidents is quite
clear, to carry out a more in depth dialogue on every aspect of
this phenomenon, widening our consultations on the policies we
�8
have adopted, as well as to create and implement new cooperation
mechanisms in this· field.
Thus, the working group has agreed to hold an extraordinary
meeting, .a special me~ting to evaluate the results of the
binational study on.migration, which our government commissioned
to experts from both countries and that after over two years will
be delivered in the following weeks.
It was also decided that the INS carry out new regional
consultations, that is between the INS and our consuls regarding
the enforcement of the new migratory laws of the United States.
We also agreed to continue our dialogue, which has already
produced important results on the concerns of the Mexican
government regarding the principle of family reunification and
the need of especially vulnerable groups such as women and
children.
We are first to acknowledge the efforts undertaken by
President Clinton's administration with Congress in order to
restore eligibility of certain legal immigrants to certain
federal benefits.
If approved, this measure will benefit a
significant number of Mexicans residing in the United States.
We would like to express our deep appreciation to Janet
Reno, Doris Meissner and their colleagues for their unwavering
disposition for dialogue on this issue. We 0ill endeavor to
abide by the directives of both our Presidents and next year we
will report to them on our progress in this area.
In the third part of this session we will present a report
of the different subjects of the Binational Commission.
We will
give the report to Madeleine Albright, Secretary of State of the
United States of America.
SECRETARY ALBRIGHT:
President Clinton, President' Zedillo,
distinguished members of the Mexican and American Cabinets,
members of Congress, ladies and gentlemen:
I am pleased to add
to the reports you have already received on the results of this
meeting of our Binational Commission.
I say at the outset that the cooperation you see reflected
in the results of our meetings here is also seen more broadly in
the international arena.
Particularly in recent years, the
United States and Mexico have been able to work together on
issues of regional and global importance, from extending the
nuclear Nonp~oliferation Treaty to supporting the historic
movement towards democracy and social justice in Central America.
For that, and for the strong working relationship we have
�9
developed in a number o'f areas, I want publicly to thank and
express my admiration for my c9lleague, Foreign Minister Gurria.
Closer to home, we have focused our attention on the many
ways we can cooperate through the Binational Commission to
enhance the security, prosperity, health and quality of life of
people on both sides of our shared borders.
Durihg the last 24
hours, the Commission's 14 working groups have discussed a wide
range of issues and achieved concrete results.
For example, we confirmed grants of $170 million from the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to the North American
Development Bank for projects to clean and preserve the waters
along our.border. We finalized arrangements for the construction
of a new bridge ·between Brownsville and Matamoros. We committed
ourselves to two·new technical assistance agreements to improve
our cooperation in civil aviation, and we agreed to inaugurate
joint research on endangered species in the Gulf of California.
All this is in addition to the major progress that I expect
the Foreign Minister will cite with respect to water treatment
plants along the border, expansion of the Fulbright Garcia
Robles exchange program in agricultural trade.
Regarding the border, while we have an excellent record of
cooperation on labor and environmental issues, we both agree more
needs to be done. We agreed that the Foreign Ministers would
coordipate a working group which will· include labor and
environmental ministers to report back within 90 days on
recommendations for enhanced.cooperation. ·
It is important to point out that as a result of NAFTA,
Mexico is selling more of its goods and services in the United
States, and th~ United States is selling more in Mexico.
That
translates into more jobs and greater prosperity in both
cou~tries, and demonstrates that in our era, and especially in a
relationship between neighbors, economic growth is not a zero sum
game ..
As you have heard, 'we also had intensive discussions on our
common fight against narcotics tr·afficking and on the difficult
issue of migration.
The broad range of issues on which we
cooperate gives confidence that we can reach full and effective
understanding on these most difficult issues as well.· The United
States and Mexico are neighbors because of the border we share.
But we are united because of the values we share. We proceed
from a common foundation of respect for each other as democracies
and as sovereign 'nations, and from a commitment to apply our laws
correctly and humanely.
·
�10
The Binational Commission gives us the opportunity to take
stock of the interactions among our government officials,
businesses and citizens that are occurring constantly. Every
day, more and more, our peoples visit, study, work and conduct
business with each other.
It is what they do, more even than
what our governments do, that will continue to bring our
countries together and make our ~nique partnership work.
As we proceed we need to remember that we are part of an
historic process.
The seeds of cooperation we plant now will not
always bear fruit quickly, but by tending all aspects of our
relationship with care, we will provide ongoing benefits for our
people and a firm basis for even greater progress in the years
ahead.
Thank you.
FOREIGN MINISTER GURRIA:
Ladies and gentlemen,
nothing
illustrates better the importance of both nations attached to our
bilateral relations as does this plenary session of the
Binational Commission headed by our Presidents, President
Zedillo, President Clinton, and w.i th so many members of their
Cabinets in attendance.
There is no better indication of the
political will to rebuild closer ties or the decision to improve
our cooperation and to solve our differences than this Binational
Commission.
It is clear proof of ma.ture relations and mutual
respect.
Political and economic relatiqns between Mexico and the
United States have changed . . They have come closer, from
aloofness to commitment, .from short term solutions to diplomatic
consultations at the highest level,, from a lacking of order to
having well organized dialogues.
This.is evident in the hundreds
of issties addressed by the 14 working groups that held their
sessions yesterday.
I would like to comment on the most
outstanding results.
In the field of border cooperation, the most important are
the implementation of the environmental program of Border 21, the
binational wate~ treatment plant at Nuevo Laredo in San Diego,
the two new border ports and an agreement to start building a
third border port.
In this way, we will continue t6 work to modernize our
border and to provide a.more efficient infrastructure.
We have
agreed to.promote a new, more humane and civilized vision of our
common border in the eve of the 21st century.
Our obtective is
to promote a border which has better management and which favors
a balanced community infrastructure, the development of goods and
services, a .movement of people, goods exchanges and cultural and
other aspects of commercial -- in this area.
�11
A working group was created in this regard.
It included the
ministers of the environment, and in a period of 90 days, they
will present a report on the progress .achieved in reaching this
common goal.
Legal affairs, antinarcotics cooperation and migration
issues have already been presented to you. We will shortly
receive instructions from both Presidents on the subjects.
The Group on Trade and Investment made an in depth analysis
of NAFTA.
There are logically and inevitably some differences
which are being dealt with in accordance with the treaty's own
rules.
Nevertheless, the balance is positive and clearly shows
that NAFTA is working well.
Furthermore, the Fiscal and Customs
Affairs group has dealt with some irregularities and proposed tax
reductions in order to strengthen trade betwee~ our countries,
and has facilitated the flow of goods across our common border.
In financial as~ects, cooperation has been exceptional, as
is clearly shown by the support given to Mexico and by its early
payment.
The same can be said of the work being done in the
field of money laundering. Additionally, mechanisms were
discussed to jointly promote investment and tourism.
Important progress has also been made in the Group on
Agriculture, such as the lifting of barriers to Mexican exports
of tomato, avocado, wheat and Mex{can pork products, as well as
citrus and cherries from the United States.
Progress is also
being made regarding Mexican exports of poultry products.
In the Group on Fisheries, priority has been attached to
jointly promoting the measures which will allow Mexico to resume
its tuna exports.
The process is already underway in the U.S.
Congress and the House of Representatives.
In that. regard to the Group on Transportation, progress has
been made toward the opening of our borders in this field in
compliance with NAFTA provisions. Both Secretaries of
Transportation agreed to build bridges of understanding and
cooperation with a view to the 21st century.
In terms of telecommunications, agreements were reached in
the field of satellite services· which could well become models
for hemisphere cooperation.
In the Energy Gro~p work is focused on investment
opportunities ·resulting from restructuring programs, particularly
'in the power and petrochemical sectors. Also, cooperation
projects involving renewable energy and the efficient use of
energy are also under consideration.
�12
The Group on Labor has worked based on the North American
Labor Cooperation Agreement, and here we can highlight the
exchange of infO.rmation on employment, training, safety and
hygiene in the working place.
In the fi~ld of education, the bilateral working group has
made progress on education for migrants, attention to disabled
people, education for adults, bilingual education and remote
education.
This last field is one in which we have close to 500
cooperation projects between Mexican and U.S. acaqemic
institutions.
In the cultural field, we must underscore the Mexico 0. S ·.
Commission for Education and Cultural Exchange, which will make
it possible to increase by 60 percent the number of scholarship
holders.by 1998, which will make our Fulbright'Garcia Robles
progra~ one of the largest Fulbright programs in the world.
Through the Mexico U.S. Foundation for Science and Technology, we
have underway several scientific and technological projects.
For its part, the Mexico U.S. Fund for Culture has
undertaken 283 cultural exchange programs since its
establishment.
I would like to underscore the great success of
the Olmeca exhibit in Washington at the National Gallery and the
master works of the National Gallery exhibited for several months
here in Mexico City at the National Museum of Anthropology, and
in both cases were enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of
individuals.
Mr. Presidents, yesterday we signed 11 bilateral agreements
on the protection of natural resources and wildlife, education
and cultural exchanges, aviation, the detection of illicit
financial operations, an enlargement of bridges and the creation
of border infrastructure and liaison mechanisms.
It is imposs'ible to be fair to the work of the members of
both Cabinets and even less to the wealth and quality of their
common projects.· But beyond numbers and beyond the diversity of
our ties lie the institutions we have built to foster dialogues
and the goodwill .to cooperate. And lastly, I would like to
express my appreciation to Mrs. Albright for her invaluable
support in the work we have carried out.
'Thank you.
And with this presentation, we come to an end of the report
to the President. His Excellency William Clinton, the President
of the United States of America will address you at this time.
�13 ..
PRESIDENT CLINTON:
Well, thank you very much. Members of
the Mexican Cabinet and the American Cabinet, thank you for your
reports and for the specific concrete efforts that you are making
to move our relationship forward and to help our peoples.
Secretary Albright commented that the work of the Binational
Commission was so broad because our relationship is so broad.
This is a truly extraordinary thing to have this many people in
our Cabinet, this mi:my people in your Cabinet all working
together on a broad range of issues.
Let me say, Mr. President, as you know, I'm particularly
gratified also to be joined here by the strong bipartisan
delegations from the United States Congress that are here from
many states along the border, as well as Governor Miller of
Nevada 1 the Chairman of the Governors Association in the United
States.
So we're here because we know that we have to make this
relationship work together beyond party politics, within our
countries and across our borders.
In the 21st century, we want our border ·to be our bond, and
we want it to be rooted in a mutual commitment· to the exchange of
people and commerce across the border and to our fidelity to the
rule of law.
The reports we have heard today are fully
consistent with that objective.
With regard to narcotics, I was very impressed by the drug
threat assessment done jointly, by the proposal for an alliance
-- and I think the word is well taken -- it must be an alliance
undertaken i11 good faith and mutual respect; by the news that the
alliance will actually articulate a strategy and specific tactics
for implementing the objectives of the alliance by the end of the
year.
For our part, we in the United States know that we hav~ to
reduce our demand and General McCaffrey will tell you, we've
presented the largest counternarcotics.budget ever, but we also
think we're doing·more of the right things . . The Attorney General
is working very hard to pass the right kind of juvenile justice
legislation. And, as perhaps many of you in Mexico know, we have
been quite successful in reducing drugs use a~ong people whom we
thought were the biggest problem:
young Americans aged 18 to 34.
Drug.use in our country is going up among Americans even younger,
under 18.
So we are dev.oting an enormous amount .of time and
effort to that problem, and we hope we can show progress on our
side.
I am confident, from the efforts which have been made.and
the statements which were made to me by the President earlier
�14
that Mexico is equally committed to making progress on this side
of the border.
With regard to the migration report, I think it strikes the
right balance.
The Attorney General has explained what we are
trying to do in the United States on this issue.
I think we all
know we have a deep stake in making the border crossings work,
and we in the United States, in our government, have no interest
in causing any unfair or. undue harm to immigrants in our country.
We are a nation of immigrants.
We have been deeply enriched by
them.
They have made us the fifth largest Hispanic country in
the world, with 22 million Americans now of Hispanic descent.
But we know that we also have to enforce the integrity of our
immigration laws at the border, in the workplace, in the criminal
justice system, and we are attempting to strike the right
balance.
As regards to the other issues, let me just say very
briefly, I welcome the specific announcement on clean wastewater.
We are trying to show our good faith by committing more funds to
the environmental projects. We are concerned that the joint
coinmission has approved something like 16 projects of which only
four have-been approved for financing by the North American
Development Bank, ·and we're committed to doing something about
that.
I'm especially pleased by the educational exchange comments
and the commitment to increased ·educational exchange.
I think
that is very important.
I'm very pleased that there will be a
report back to us within 90 days from the relevant Cabinet
officers on what we can do more to implement the labor and
environmental accords.
And finally, let me say, Mr. President, I'm glad to see that
our Cabinet members are reaffirming. the fact that NAFTA has
worked.
There are some people still who assert in the United
States that it has not; but it has.
If you compare what has
happened in the last three years with what happened the last time
Mexico had some economic distress, you see that Amer·ican exports
have fared much better and the Mexican economy has come back much
quicker and much stronger, and NAFTA is clearly partly
·responsible for that.
So I'm glad to see that our Cabinet
members are hanging in there and trying .to get the evidence out
because I think it's clear that we did the right thing.
No one issu~ defines this relationship.
The scope of i t
presents us with unique challenges and opportunities.
It's vital
that we work together, but I feel much better about our shared .
future because of the work that our Cabinet ministers are doing
�15
in this unprecedented forum.
you for hosting us today .
And I thank them for it and I thank
. PRESIDENT ZEDILLO:
Your Excellency, President
distinguished Members of the Congress of the United
America, Governor, ladies and gentlemen, members of
of President Clinton, ladies and gentlemen:
It is i
pl~asure for me to reiterate to all of you that you
cordially welcome here in Mexico.
Clinton,
States of
the Cabinet
great
are most
It is particularly pleasing for me to be able to cochair
this session of conclusions of the Binational Commission to
President Clinton. ·This underscores the importance that· both
governments attach to the bilateral relations between our two
countries.
This is the very important geographic and economic
relations, socially, interculturally intense. At our borders,
thete is a daily average of close to 1 million legal crossings,
and there are trade exchanges ~hich last year represented close
to $150 billion.
Due to its size, complexity and dynamism, our border
reflects opportunity, the distinct diversity and the talents of
two neighbors who. are proud of their identity and of their
effort. Along our border, we see and recognize diverse cultures
and multiple traditions, different beliefs and even contrasting
forms of life. Above all, on both sides of.our border, today we
are working together so that the relationship between Mexicans
and Americans is based on respect, friendship and reciprocal
benefits.
This intensive work is expressed in hundreds of meetings
every year between the representatives of both governments, and
in hundreds of actions which both federal governments attach
great priority to.
In this regard, I would like to very
sincerely, personally recognize the particular interest and
priority that President Clinton has attached to all aspects of
our bilateral relationship.
To a great extent, thanks to that
interest and that special attention, we are now·able to reach
very important and different agreements.
The agreements resulting from this binational relationship
is based on fundament~l principles, principles such as legal
equality, the principles of negotiating solutions to differences
and procuting efficient .cooperation mechanisms; principles such
as the protection of -- ·and safety of families, multiplying
opportunities for every man and for every women, and full
development of our peoples in a fiamework of peace, democra~y and
justice.
�16
The work of this commission, the. agreements undersigned and
those we will sign in the future show that we are making progress
in establishing institutional channels for the relations .between
those countries.
This increasing institutionalization of our
relation is the result of the principles we share and of the
efforts of tho~e which make up the Binational Commission.
Thus,
I congratulate you quite sincerely.
It is tiue ihat on both sides 6f our bord~r, there are
voises which prefer to turn a deaf ea~·~han to hold an open
dialogue.
They prefer recrimination rather than constructive
cooperation. A very important task that we share, however, is to
persuade those voices with effective r~sults and with significant
agreements like those that we've accomplished thus far.
Now we are able to prove that in peace and in respect, in
cooperation, Mexico and the United States will be much more
successful than through ill will and reproachment.
Little by
little, we have a long term vision. We begin to see constructive
attitudes, dialogue and especially, above all, mutual respect.
At present, nowadays, respect is the basis of a solid
friendship, a long lasting friendship between the Mexicans and
the Americans.
Today, the respect that you, President Clinton,
h~ve encouraged from th~ White House ii the cornerstone of the
relations between our two countries.
Today, this respect
encourages us to take advantage of our commonality in order to
work in benefit of two great peoples -- the peoples of Mexico and
the peoples· of the United States of America.
Thank you very much.
(Applause.)
END
12:46 P.M.
(L)
�'
. ''
I
I
'
REV\ SED
5/6/97 8 a.m.
(p ·b)
PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON
PRESS CONFERENCE STATEMENT
MEXICO CITY
MAY 6,1997
�1
· Thank you, Ernesto.
This is my first trip to Mexico as President but my
fifth overall, so let me first say that I am very pleased
to be back. I had planned to be here a month ago on
the first trip of my second term -- and it literally was
'
my bad break that I couldn't make good on that
commitment. .
A short while ago, President Zedillo and I heard the
reports of the U.S.-Mexico Binational Commission-the cabinet-level group that oversees the day-in, day
out relationship between our governments.
�2
These presentations vividly show the remarkable
depth and breadth of our relationship. No two
countries are working together on more important
issues, with a more direct effect on the lives of their
people, than Mexico and the United States.
The BNC reports demonstrate that, for the most part,
we agree on the opportunities and problems before us.
In a few moments, President Zedillo and I will sign
.
joint declarations on drugs and migration. They will
demonstrate that, more than ever before, we also
agree on the solutions -- and that we are prepared to
carry our cooperation forward to a new level.
�3
The United States and Mexico share more than a 2,000
mile border. We share a vision for what that border
should be in the 21st century: a safe, clean, efficient
model of prosperity and cooperation that joins our
people -- not a barrier that divides them.
The Joint Declaration on Migration makes clear that
we both see our border as a dynamic, living space -- a
community with complicated problems and real
opportunities that requires a multifaceted,
comprehensive approach. It commits both our
governments to improve how we manage the border.
�4
We will accelerate efforts to pursue allegations of
crimes against migrants ... expand public information
campaigns warning migrants of dangerous crossings ...
reduce violence and criminality at the border... and
combat the terrible practice of alien smuggling.
The issue of immigration raises passions on both sides
of our border. I am proud of our tradition of generous
legal immigration. I will do everything in my power to
preserve it.
�'P
5
I believe deeply that America's diversity is our
greatest source·of strength for the future-- and there
is no more powerful proof than the remarkable
contributions Mexican-Americans have made to our
country.
To maintain safe and orderly migration -- and to do
justice by the hundreds of thousands of people who
migrate to the United States legally-- we must take
effective action to stop illegal immigration. Our new
immigration law will help us do that. But in applying
it, we must balance control with compassion.
�6
I am pleased that the balanced budget agreement I
reached with our Congress last week restores benefits
to certain legal immigrants. I will continue to work
with Congress to correct some aspects of the
immigration law. We will ensure respect for human
rights ... and seek to apply the law humanely, placing a
priority on family unification. There will be no mass
deportations. But I am also determined to help our
southern neighbors make the most of their rich
economic and social potential, because ultimately
that's the best way to give people confidence to make
their futures at home.
�7
President Zedillo and I also will sign a Joint Alliance
Against Drugs. With this alliance, we recognize the
dangers we both face and the responsibilities we both
share. Illegal narcotics are not simply a Mexican
problem. They are not simply an American problem.
· They are our common problem -- and we must find a
common solution.
The Alliance takes our already unprecedented
cooperation to a new level. It respects the laws and
sovereignty of our countries, while committing us to 15
concrete goals ... and to put in place a shared strategy
by year's end.
�8
We have agreed to intensify our work on money
laundering investigations... to increase cooperation on
extraditions to facilitate trials on both sides of the
border... to apply profits seized from drug traffickers
directly to law enforcement purposes ... and to step up
our fight against gun running, including a hemispheric
agreement outlawing the traffic of illicit arms.
These two declarations prove that we can work
through our problems in ways that work for us both.
�- - - - - - - - - - - - -
9
But this relationship is about more than solving our
problems -- it's about seizing real opportunities to
make our people more prosperous and secure as we
enter the 21st century.
That's what we did with NAFTA, which has helped
raise our exports to Mexico to an all time high and
helped Mexico bounce back from a wrenching
recession that caused great hardship.
�10
Now, as President Zedillo and I agreed, we must push
forward on NAFTA's promise to help us clean the
environment -- especially along the border -- and to
improve working conditions and safeguard worker
rights on both sides of the border.
I am·especially pleased at the new steps we have taken
to protect the environment and promote education.
The United States will provide $170 million in EPA
funds for border water projects ... and we will join
with Mexico to attract private sector investment in
pollution prevention... and preserve endangered
species and natural forests.
�11
We also have agreed to expand the Fulbright
Scholarship Program -- named for one of my native
state's greatest sons. This will double the number of
Fulbrights for Mexicans studying in the United States,
with a special focus on science and technology.
Our partnership with Mexico-- for opportunity,
security and prosperity -- is fundamental to the future
of both our people. Today, we have strengthened that
partnership -- and our prospects for shaping that
future for our children.
�5/5/97 11 p.m.
PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEF-FERSON CLINTON .
REMARKS TO THE U.S.-MEXICO BINATIONAL
COMMISSION
MEXICO CITY
. MAY 6,1997
�1
Members of the Mexican cabinet; members of the
·American cabinet:
Thank you for the reports you have just made to me
and Preside~t Zedillo. They are a concrete reflection
of the work you are doing, day-in and· day-out to keep
the remarkable relationship between our countries
moving forward.
The accomplishments you have described are
important and I want to come back to them. But the .
picture we have before us also speaks eloquently.
�2
Look around this room -- virtually our entire cabinets
are here. You are vivid proof of a partnership
between Mexico and the United States that is richer
and m·ore complex than that between any two nations
on earth. It is a partnership that works for our
people.
The border between us stretches nearly 2,000 miles. It
is much more than a line on a map. It is a living,
breathing space that must have two things to thrive as
·we enter the 21st ~entury: the rule of law and a
vibrant, orderly exchange of commerce and people.
�3
The report on migration strikes the right balance
between these two imperatives. Every day, hundreds .
· of thousands of Mexicans and Americans ·cross the
border.· They generate growth and jobs in both
I
countries. To strengthen these vital exchanges, we·
·must protect the border from those who seek to exploit
it -- drug traffickers, gun runners, and alien .
smugglers. And for the sake of justice, we must
enforce our laws vigorously but humanely -- with full
respect for human rights.
�- - - - - - -
.-----~---------------------
4
The Joint Threat Assessment on Drugs makes clear
that we both understand the magnitude of the problem
we face together -- and we .both ~re committed to
being part of the solution. Every day, this curse
poisons our children, threatens our neighborhoods and
attacks those who protect us.- We have no choice. This
must be a shared struggle .. Neither of us can succeed
without the other. The United States has to take .
.
responsibili~y
for reducing our enormous demand. We
are, with the largest counter-narcotics .budget in our
history.
�·~
'
.
.
5
And I know not only from what we have heard today
but from Mexico's
action~
over the past year that you
are fully and deeply committed to this fight.
.
.
.
.
.
· As Secretary Albright has noted, the work of the BNC
is broad because U.S.-Mexican relations are broad. It
is making a real difference on the issues that matter
most to our people. We are bringing our border into
the 21st century with new bridges to speed two-way
commerce and new technology to clean our
wastewater. We are strengthening education by ·
expanding ·opportunities for our students to study in
each other's country.
�..,.
..
'
...
6
We are protecting our children's .future by making
sure that as we grow our economies, we protect the
environment. ·
The wide ranging work you. have accomplished today
is vivid proof that no single issue can define the
.
. relationship between Mexico and the United States.
The nature of the challenges and opportunities we face
makes it vital that we work together. ·The mutual
respect and cooperation that this Commission
exemplifies should give us confidence that we will
succeed ..
�\
\
· 5/5/97 3 p.m.
PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON
PRESS CONFERENCE STATEMENT
MEXICO CITY
MAY 6,1997
Thank you, Ernesto.
This is my first trip to Mexico as President but my fifth overall, so let me first say that I am very
pleased to be back I had planned to be here a month ago on the first trip of my second term -and it literally was my bad break that I couldn't make good on that commitment. But I appreciate
· your patience and the wonderful warmth of the welcome we have received.
A short while ago, President Zedillo and I heard the reports ofthe US.-Mexico Binational
Commission -- the cabinet-level group that oversees the day-in, day out relationship between our
C.-.c. 0. v.~,J ~IJA(wsl.X 4-~
governments. These presentations ~ the remarkable depth and breadth of our
~r.f
relationship: No two countries are working together on more important issues, with a more direct ~?
~~
~on
the lives of the· people, than Mexico and th United States.
---t:Jr
~
~~e
The BNC reports demonstrate
1.M
--
~....<><
gree on the opportunities and problems before us. In a
few moments, President Zedillo and I will sign joint declarations on drugs and migration. They
~
will demonstrate that, more than ever before, wAgree on the solutions. Let me say a few words
about each one, and also touch on some of the other issues President Zedillo and I discussed in
our meeting earlier today.
�2
a
s~
The United States and Mexico shan(
2,000 mile bordeli.
that border should be in the 21st c e n W , clean,
efficientf:n~~r-.--~
cooperation for our people. The Joint Declaration on Migration commits both our governments
G
0
to improve how w mallage t e border. We
willa1.:~~=~io•s of crimes
against migrants ... expand public information campaigns warning migrants of dangerous
crossings ... and combat the terrible practice of alien smuggling by criminal syndicates.
The issue of immigration raises passions on both sides of our border. Let me repeat what I said to
President Zedillo today -- and what I have said to the American people since the day I took office.
~'>
I am proud of e~radition of generous legal immigration. I will do everything in my power to
preserve it. I believe deeply that America's diversity is our greatest source of strength.for the
future -- and there is no more powerful proof than the rem}::rkable contributions MexicanAmericans have made to our country .
. To maintai8safe and orderly migration-- and to do justice by the hundreds of thousands of
·
.
people who migrate to the United
.
State~and bring so much to our country -- we must take
< ~·~- ~n::;
·11
.
.
.
.
.
.
. .,--h
~ \lctlon to stop I ega1ImmigratiOn. 0 ur new ImmigratiOn 1 WI'11 he1 us do-_;,{ that. B ut
aw
p
in applying it,
, we must and we will balance control with
QQA1:Al8fl
<..._~(+,~
SG!IS@'
compassiOn. I am pleased that the balanced budget agreement I reached wit~Congress last
~
week restores benefits to legal immigrants"I will continue to work with
Qiltf
Congress to correct
some of the unfair provisions in the laws ... to ensure respect for human rights ... and to prevent
�3
·,
any large scale deportations that would break up families living in the United States for years.
And I also am committed to helping our southern neighbors make the most of their rich economi
~
and social potential, so that more people have the confidence to make their futures at home.
President Zedillo an: I also will sign a Joint Alliance ~gainst Drugs. We both recognize:
narcotics are
-s ."-
W.
4\J.tL
~
illegal~~
~can problem. They ar~ n~ Alerican problem. They are our common~ ·
~ ·=~ ~....
~ t:bU.
problem-- and wo"'
·
tf' fh~J
~,
...
With this Alliance Against Drugs, we will take our already unprecedented cooperation to a new
level. It commits us to 15 concrete goals ... and to adopting and acting on a shared strategy _.
of illicit arms. I want to thank President
tllo for his courageous commitment to this fight
our common future. And I want to assure him and the Mexican people that the United States will
keep our part of the bargain by doing everything we can to cut deman9
These two declarations prove that we can work through our problems in ways that work for us
both. But as I said a few moments ago, this relationship is about more than only solving our
problems -- it's about seizing real opportunities to. make our people more prosperous and secure
as we enter the 21st century.
�4
That's what we did with NAFTA, which has helped our exports to Mexico reach an all time high
and helped Mexico bounce back
and I agreed,
especially
.
~from a wr,:::hing recession. Now, as President Zedillo ~
":.~ must p~sh_ f~JYtard on ~t,.FTA' s ~romise to· help us clean the environment --
~
alo~g the border-- and toe~~;:,~~;illi';b.;i~~~r~~ !J,;-f;~ •" . D
·
b-<tt- ~ 1c.V...1" ol ho-~r~ ·
I am especially pleased at the new steps we have taken to protect the environment, including $170
million in EPA funds for border water projects ... initiatives to attract private sector investment in
pollution prevention... and agreements to preserve endangered species and natural forests.
Mr. President, the wide ranging work we have accomplished today reminds us that the no single
issue defines the relationship between Mexico and the United States. The nature of the challeng
and opportunities we face makes it vital we work together. And the relationship of mutual
respect and cooperation we are developing makes it more likely that ever before that we will
~
~'
t/y_~
~~rf.)
~
succeed. And for that, on behalf of the American people, I am grateful.
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
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. ' DATE
Theodore Piccone to. Anthony Blinken re: BNC Readout (1 page)
04/29/1997
RESTRICTION
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National Security Council
Anthony Blinken (Speech\vriting)
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' ·
FOLDER TITLE:
Mexico-Press Conference
'
· 2006~0459-F
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financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
PS Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(S) of the PRA]
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
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2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Freedom of Information Act- [5 U.S;C. 552(b)]
b(l) National security classified information [(b)(l) of the FOIA] ·
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]'
·
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
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Anthony Blihken (Speechwriting)
OA/Box Number: 3388
FOLDER TITLE:
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Mexico-Press Conference
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rs341
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act -(44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Pl
· P2
P3
P4
National Security Classified Information ((a)(l) ofthe PRA)
Relating to the appointment to Federal office ((a)(2) of the PRA)
Release would violate a Federal statute ((a)(3) of the PRA]
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial, information i(a)(4) of the PRA)
PS Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors (a)(S) of the PRA]
·P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy ](a)(6) of the PRA]
.
.
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
. of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Freedom of Information Act" (5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
b(l) National security classified information [(b)(l) of the FOIA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency ((b)(2) of the FOIA]
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute ((b)(3) of the FOIA)
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information ((b)(4) of the FOIA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement·
purposes ((b)(7) of the FOIA]
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
. financial institutions ((b)(8) of the FOIA]
b(9) Release would disclose geolo.gical or geophysical information
concerning wells ((b)(9) of the FOIA]
�THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
Mexico City, Mexico
For Immediate Release
May
FACT SHEET
President Clinton's Visit to Mexico: Building a Partnership
through the U.S.-Mexico Binational Commission
May 5, 1997, Mexico City
dra{t 5/2/97
Our partnership with Mexico is dedicated to finding common solutions to common
problems. Secretary of State Albright reported to President Clinton that the Binational
Commission's 14 Working Groups addressed a broad range of issues of importance to the
peoples of the United States and Mexico. The attached fact sheets cover the principal
developments. In summary, our efforts focused on five areas:
·
Managing the Border
•
A new Rio Grande bridge will be constructed at Brownsville/Matamoras.
•
Our newest border crossing at Calexico/Mexicali represents a state-of-the-art gateway
for trade and travel.
•
An expanded Brownsville/Matamoras bridge will be inaugurated.
•
Our successful Border Liaison Mechanism will be expanded to Presidio,
Texas/Ojinaga, Chihuahua.
•
A binational migration study will help us understand the causes and dynamics of this
flow.
•
We will redouble our efforts to work together on alien smuggling, migrant trafficking,
protecting the rights of migrants and removing criminal aliens.
Promoting Commerce
•
Florida and Arizona citrus will have access to the Mexican market.
•
A U.S.-led consortium will develop Mexico's first private power project.
•
A plan of action will be established to promote U.S. export opportunities in
environmental technology and allow Mexico to meet its environmental priorities.
�Gray, Wendy E.
\
From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Priority:
Piccone, Theodore J.
@PLANNING - Strat Plan & Comm
/R, Record at A 1; Kinser-Kidane, Brenda J .; @PRESS - Public Affairs
[UNCLASSIFIEDJMEXICO remarks
Friday, May 02, 1997 3:21PM
High
<<File Attachment: PRESS.DOC> >Tony: Here is a summary of the two joint statements and a brief
roadmap for the press statement. Shortly, I will send you BNC memo and talking points. Then I'll tackle
Qs and As.
I
�.
~
PRESS CONFERENCE
KEY OBJECTIVES
•
Announce joint statements on drugs a'nd migration.
•
Demonstrate breadth of cooperation on variety of issues.
CONTEXT
The centerpiece of your press conference will be the Alliance
against Drugs and·the joint statement on migration. After
signing the two statements, you and Zedillo will make statements
on the la~n outside Los Pinos.
The joint Presidential Declaration on Migration is particularly
important to the Mexicans, who requested it as a companion to the
joint declaration on drugs.
The declaration sets forth a vision
of the shared border in .the 21st century based on cooperation,
orderly and legal movement of goods and people, joint economicactivities, and mutual respect for sovereignty, public safety and
human rights.
It commits both governments to explore a series of
initiatives that would have a direct impact on improving the way
we.manage the border.
For example, the statement calls for
accelerated efforts to pursue allegations of crimes against
migrants, ·expand public information campaigns warning migrants of
dangerous crossings, and combat trafficking in migrants and
document forgery.
Our focal point will be the Presidential declaration on a joint
Alliance against Drugs. On the basis of the binational threat
assessment presented to you at the BNC readout, we have crafted
with Mexico a statement of alliance with a set of speeific
objectives and a commitment to adopt a common strategy later this
year to achieve them.
The declaration reaffirms five fundamental
principles of cooperation (e.g., shared responsibility) and sets
forth 15 distinct goals (e.g., seize and forfeit the profits of
drug trafficking for use by law enforcement) . The statement also
calls for completion by the end of the year of an alliance
counterdrug strategy and national plans to implement it and a
meeting prior to that with respective Cabinet officials to review
progress.
In the end, this statement has credibility only if it is not a
paper exercise but rather yields concrete results; thus, the
goals in the alliance statement track closely with the priorities
set forth in the Senate resolution we supported in March. At the
same time, because ·it is presented in collective terms, Zedillo
can hold it up as fulfilling his commitment to tackle Mexico's
�•''
2
number one.security threat without appearing to cave in to U.S.
demands. Assuming good results by the end of the year, the
declaration. could also serve as a means of insulating our
counterdrug cooperation from the politics of the annual
certification review. Your comments should be realistic about
the challenge ahead but stress the importance we attach to giving
substance to the alliance·commitment against a common enemy. You
should also clearly express our recognition of the demand problem
and our efforts to address it.
On ·the remaining issues, 'we want to highlight a handful of
concrete outcomes in trade, environment and education.
On trade,
you should highlight the success of NAFTA (increased exports,
Mexico's economic discipline even during peso crisis) and wrap
together the environment deliverables to demonstrate progress on
the side accords~
To promote further progress, you should
reiterate your announcement at the BNC to instruct labor and
environment ministers to prepare a plan of action in 90 days to
address our most pressing labor and environment problems.
�.------------------------------------------------------------------------.
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
SUBJECTffiTLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
/
002. email
From Piccone re: Mexico Building Blocks (1 page)
04/18/1997
P1/b(1), P5
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
National Security Council
Anthony Blinken (Speechwriting)
OA/Box Number: 3388
FOLDER TITLE:
Mexico-Press Conference
2006-0459-F
rs341·
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�5/5/97 7 p.m.
PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON
REMARKS TO THE U.S.-MEXICO BINATIONAL COMMISSION
MEXICO CITY
MAY 6,1997
Members of the Mexican cabinet; members of the American cabinet:
Thank you for the reports you have just made to me and President Zedillo. And thank you for the
work you do, day-in and day-out to keep the remarkable relationship between our countries
moving forward.
The words we have just heard are important and I want to come back to them. But the picture
we have before us speaks just as
eloquently~
Look around this room -- virtually our entire
cabinets are here. You are vivid proof of a partnership between Mexico and America that is
richer and more complex than that between any two nations on earth. And you remind us: it's a
partnership that works. By rolling up our sleeves and getting
�.... ....
. ..,.
5/6/97 2 a.m.
PRESIDENT WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON
PRESS CONFERENCE STATEMENT
MEXICO CITY
MAY 6,1997
Thank you, Ernesto.
This is my first trip to Mexico as President but my fifth overall, so let me first say that I am very
pleased to be back. I had planned to be here a month ago on the first trip of my second term -and it literally was my bad break that I couldn't make good on that commitment.
A short while ago, President Zedillo and I heard the reports of the U.S.-Mexico Binational
Commission -- the cabinet-level group that oversees the day-in, day out relationship between our
governments. These presentations vividly show the remarkable depth and breadth of our
relationship. No two countries are working together on more important issues, with a more direct
effect on the lives of their people, than Mexico and the United States.
~1k.- 'w>7t pv3)
The BNC reports demonstrate that, 15y ~xge, we agree on the opportunities and problems
before us. In a few moments, President Zedillo and I will sign joint declarations on drugs and
migration. They will demonstrate that, more than ever before, we also agree on the solutions -and that we are prepared to carry our cooperation forward to a new level.
�2
The United States and Mexico share more than a 2, 000 mile border. We share a vision for what
that border should be in the 21st century: a safe, clean, efficient model of prosperity and
cooperation that joins our people -- not a barrier that divides them.
The Joint Declaration on Migration makes clear that we both see our border as a dynamic, living
space -- a community with complicated problems and real opportunities that requires a
multifaceted, comprehensive approach. It commits both our governments to improve how we
manage the border. We will accelerate efforts to pursue allegations of crimes against migrants ...
expand public information campaigns warning migrants of dangerous crossings ... reduce violence
and criminality at the border ... and combat the terrible practice of alien smuggling.
The issue of immigration raises passions on both sides of our border. · I am proud of our tradition
of generous legal immigration. I will do everything in my power to preserve it. I believe deeply
that America's diversity is our greatest source of strength for the future -- and there .is no more
powerful proof than the remarkable contributions Mexican-Americans have made to our country.
'
0
__>2-
maintain safe and orderly migration
-~o do justice by the hundreds of thousands of
people who migrate to the United States
immigration.
legall~ we must take strong action to stop illegal
ur new immigration law will help us do that. But in applying it, we must balance
I am pleased that the balanced budget agreement I reached with our
eek restores benefits to legal immigrants. I will continue to work with Congress
to correct so
of the unfair provisions in the law ... to ensure respect for human rights ... and to
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prevent any large scale deportations that would break up families who have lived in the United
States for years. But I am also determined to help our southern neighbors make the most of their
rich economic and social potential, because ultimately that's the best way to give people
confidence to make their futures at home.
President Zedillo and I also will sign a Joint Alliance Against Drugs. With this alliance, we
recognize the dangers we both face and the responsibilities we both share. Illegal narcotics are
n~~can problem.
They are
no~erican problem. They are our common problem --
and we must find a common solution.
The Alliance takes our already unprecedented cooperation to a new level. wmh:lirespects the
.
~
. . ~.~'ry
_/J1!!(htp(ttcL
laws and sovereignty oAour countnes, tt eo~ us to 15 concrete goals ... and t/te:iopt-aad a~
~
a shared strategy by year's end. We have agreed to intensify our work on money laundering
investigations ... to increase cooperation on extraditions to facilitate trials on both sides of the
border... to apply profits seized from drug traffickers directly to law enforcement purposes ... and
to step up our fight against gun running, including a hemispheric agreement outlawing the traffic
of illicit arms.
These two declarations prove that we can work through our problems in ways that work for us
both. But this relationship is about more than only solving our problems -- it's about seizing real
opportunities to make our people more prosperous and secure as we enter the 21st century.
....J
�4
That's what we did with NAFTA, which has helped raise our exports to Mexico to an all time
high and helped Mexico bounce back from a wrenching recession that caused great hardship.
Now, as President Zedillo and I agreed, we must push forward on NAFTA's promise to help us
,,
clean the environment -- especially along the border -- and to improve working. conditions and
safeguard worker rights on both sides of th.e border.
I am especially pleased at the new steps we have taken to protect the. environment and promote
education. The United States will provide $170 million in EPA funds for border water projects ...
and we will join with Mexico to attract private sector.investment in pollution prevention... and
preserve endangered species and natural forests. We also have agreed to expand the Fulbright
(0
Scholarship Program-- named for one of my native state's greatest son~a eae efffij' persortal
~-
This will double the number ofFulbrights for Mexicans studying in the United States,
with a special focus on science and technology.
\::/
.
.
~
Our partnership with Mexic~for opportunity, security and prosperit~s fundamental to the future
ofboth our people. Today, we have strengthened that partnership-- and our prospects for
shaping that future for our children.
.
'
�
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Speechwriting Office - Antony Blinken
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<p>Antony Blinken served in the Clinton Administration as the chief foreign policy speechwriter in the National Security Council Speechwriting Directorate from 1994 thru 1998.</p>
<p>Blinken prepared remarks for President Clinton, Anthony Lake, Samuel Berger, James Steinberg, and General Donald Kerrick. His speechwriting topics cover a variety of subjects for various audiences including but not limited to: foreign trips or head of state visits, United Nations General Assembly addresses, and State of the Union and weekly radio addresses. As an NSC speechwriter, Blinken produced speeches on major foreign policy actions during the Clinton Administration on Haiti, Iraq and Bosnia. The documents in the collection consist of speech drafts, newspaper and magazine articles, memos, correspondence, schedules, and handwritten notes.</p>
<p>This collection was made available through a <a href="http://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/freedom-of-information-act-requests">Freedom of Information Act</a> request. </p>
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National Security Council
Speechwriting Office
Antony Blinken
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1994-1998
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<a href="http://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/show/36017" target="_blank">Collection Finding Aid</a>
<a href="http://research.archives.gov/description/7585787" target="_blank">National Archives Collection Description</a>
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2006-0459-F
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Clinton Presidential Records: White House Staff and Office Files
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941 folders in 39 boxes
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Mexico - Press Conference
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Speechwriting Office
Antony Blinken
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2006-0459-F
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Box 28
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Clinton Presidential Records: White House Staff and Office Files
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9/17/2014
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7585787