Posted on 06/29/2005 8:14:31 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) - The leaders of Mexico, Colombia and Central America agreed Wednesday to strengthen the rights of migrants heading north to the United States while fighting the smugglers who move thousands across borders, from Panama to Mexico.
On the first day of a two-day regional summit in the Honduran capital, the leaders promised to work together to halt the trafficking of people, especially women and children, while "promoting respect and the protection of human rights of migrants."
Thousands of Central Americans pass through Mexico on their way to the United States, and many are robbed or mistreated during their journey. Mexico has promised to do more to ensure their safety, but has continued to deport those found in the country illegally.
Mexican President Vicente Fox and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe talked about their nations' crackdown on drug trafficking, and leaders said the result had been an increase in smuggling by water instead of air and land.
"We are fighting it head-on," Fox said. His country has been criticized for growing drug violence along its border with the United States.
All nations agreed to unite their fight against brutal gangs that have spread from Panama City to the U.S.-Mexico border. Some have taken to beheading their enemies.
Mexico has been the latest to join the fight, saying it will toughen laws against gangs and begin actively cooperating with Central American law enforcement officials.
Earlier, the leaders discussed ways to unite their economies, improve roads linking their nations and promote the proposed Central American Free Trade Agreement before the Congress.
Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala have integrated their customs systems and removed trade barriers, leaving one common checkpoint at their shared border crossings.
U.S. officials had expressed concern that opening the borders might facilitate drug trafficking and other crime. To ease concerns, Central American nations are developing common databases and improving their shared technology.
They are also expected to create a regional special forces unit Thursday to be used during emergencies, including anti-drug trafficking operations and the possibility of terrorism.
On Wednesday, Guatemalan President Oscar Berger called on the United States to help train and equip the force.
"Obviously, we need support from the institutions in the country that consumes drugs, which is to say from the United States," he said.
AP Photo/GINNETTE RIQUELME Guatemala's President Oscar Berger, left, Honduras's President Ricardo Maduro, center, and El Salvador's President Elias Saca participate in a news conference at a local hotel in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Wednesday, June 29, 2005. Central American leaders will participate in the Tuxtla and SICA (System of Central American Integration) summit in Tegucigalpa to discuss issues on crime and terrorism.
Mexico has promised to do more to ensure their safety, but has continued to deport those found in the country illegally.
Mexico has promised to do more to ensure their safety, but has continued to deport those found in the country illegally.
Lemme know when any of that sinks in to our "Representatives."
Geez I don't know...ya think...?
"Lemme know when any of that sinks in to our "Representatives." "
It's common sense for Mexico to defend their borders. Oppression for us to defend ours. I believe we should start fingerprinting and jailing those caught crossing. There would be a sharply escalating jail term for repeat offenders. I would combine this with better patrolling and surveillance.
LINE THE BORDERS WITH NUCLEAR WASTE!!!
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