Obama Says U.S. Committed to Helping Mexico Fight Drug War

The United States remains committed to the anti-drug Merida Initiative to aid Mexico in its fight against violent drug cartels, President Obama said during a summit this week in Guadalajara where drugs, immigration and trade topped the discussion list.

CNN reported Aug. 10 that Obama endorsed the aid package despite calls to hold up some of the funding due to alleged human-rights violations by Mexican soldiers. “We have been very supportive of the Merida Initiative, and we remain supportive,” Obama said.

Obama said that Mexican President Felipe Calderon restated his commitment to human rights, and Obama promised that the U.S. would seek to cut drug demand and block shipments of illegal weapons into Mexico.