US News
US puts pressure on Mexico to change controversial drug law
By DPA
May 4, 2006, 19:00 GMT

Washington - At the behest of the US, Mexican President Vicente Fox is asking for a review of a controversial law that would decriminalize drug use in Mexico, The New York Times reported Thursday.

The US is concerned that the law would add to its drug problem by creating drug tourism, and State Department and White House officials met with the Mexican ambassador this week to voice their displeasure with the legislation.

Fox had first indicated that he would sign the law but has reversed course after US pressure. The legislation would make it only a misdemeanour to possess small amounts of illegal drugs, including cocaine and heroin.

The Mexican president late Wednesday said in a statement that the law should be amended so that it is \'absolutely clear that in our country the possession of drugs and their consumption are and continue to be crimes.\'