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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Fox proposes cartel amnesty

Vicente Fox led Mexico from 2000 to 2006. (Associated Press)

 MEXICO CITY – Former President Vicente Fox suggested Friday that Mexican authorities consider calling on drug cartels for a truce and offering them amnesty.

 Fox, who served from 2000 to 2006, has since advocated legalizing drugs as a way to reduce violence.

 “I want to start a public debate on the following ideas … call on the violent groups for a truce” and “evaluate the advisability of an amnesty law,” Fox said in a speech at an anti-crime event.

 Last week, the attorney general of the violence-racked southern state of Guerrero, Alberto Lopez Rosas, drew criticism when he called on cartels to establish a truce among themselves to prevent civilian casualties in their bloody turf battles.

 Federal security spokesman Alejandro Poire rejected that idea this week, saying the gangs must be arrested and disbanded.

Associated Press