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

U.S., Mexico Tread Fine Line On Drug-Arrest Scandal State Department Prepares To Make Recommendation On Mexico’s Efforts

Houston Chronicle

President Clinton on Thursday called the arrest of Mexico’s top drug buster “deeply troubling” but praised President Ernesto Zedillo’s handling of the affair, which comes at a delicate time for both nations.

The United States and Mexico treaded a fine diplomatic line as the Mexican foreign minister, Jose Angel Gurria, made the rounds in Washington in an attempt to contain the political damage caused by the arrest of Gen. Jesus Gutierrez Rebollo, the nation’s chief anti-drug enforcer since December.

U.S. officials still were assessing the possible intelligence damage caused by the 42-year army veteran, who now stands accused of protecting Mexico’s top drug dealer.

The arrest, disclosed this week, comes as the U.S. State Department prepares to make its annual recommendation by March 1 on Mexico’s drug enforcement efforts. President Clinton must certify to Congress that Mexico continues to make strides in enforcement or recommend trade sanctions against a key economic partner.

When asked to comment on the Gutierrez Rebollo case, Clinton responded: “I think the American people should have two reactions: first of all, that this is a very serious revelation and deeply troubling. Secondly, we should be encouraged by President Zedillo’s determination, because the (Mexican) government has taken this action, the president has personally taken this action, and they’ve made it public.”

Although Clinton said he awaits the State Department recommendation on Mexico, he repeatedly voiced support for Zedillo and Mexico’s drug enforcement efforts. Clinton called Gutierrez Rebollo a “mixed factor” for the certification report.

Zedillo turned to the military chief to head his country’s anti-drug effort in December because of widespread corruption within the Mexican police force.

“On one hand, it’s troubling because we knew, and it’s been widely reported, that local police organizations at various places in Mexico are highly vulnerable to all the money that was being thrown at them from the drug lords. And the military had been thought to be an antidote to that, a counterweight,” Clinton said.

“But on the other hand, I’ll say again that they have not fooled around with this. When the president discovered it, he’s taken strong action.

It’s been very public. It’s been nonapologetic,” Clinton said.