    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [March 20, 1997]
    [Page 329]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Action on Narcotics Certification for Mexico
    March 20, 1997

        I welcome the Senate action endorsing greater cooperation with
    Mexico and other nations in our hemisphere in the common fight against
    the scourge of drugs. The resolution approved today represents
    bipartisan cooperation at its best. Senators reached across the aisle in
    a way that supports our work with Mexico to keep illegal narcotics out
    of America's neighborhoods and away from our children.
        The Senate and I share a common goal: We both want to improve
    cooperation with Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean in the fight
    against drugs. I certified Mexico because of the unprecedented level of
    counternarcotics cooperation we have achieved in the last year and
    because of the positive steps Mexico has taken on its own to fight drug
    trafficking. But as I said when I made that decision, much more needs to
    be done by everyone in this battle. This certification reinforces our
    ongoing efforts and will foster increased U.S.-Mexico cooperation and
    strengthen Mexico's own antidrug initiatives. This approach, not
    confrontation, is the right way to get the results we all want.
        The Senate's resolution adopts a clear stand that will support our
    efforts. It also makes a constructive contribution by emphasizing that
    solving the problem of drugs requires work on both sides of the border.
    For example, the bill requires reporting on steps that my administration
    is taking, such as strengthening border enforcement and improving
    antidrug education for our youth. I welcome the Senate's farsighted
    approach, and I urge the House to take up this bill and pass it as
    quickly as possible.