Garza: Security can only be realized through expanded partnership, shared responsibility

Dallas, TX, March 23, 2010 -The following statement regarding the U.S. and Mexican responses to recent border violence may be attributed to former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Antonio O. Garza:

"By their presence in Mexico today, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Defense Secretary Bob Gates and their cabinet-level colleagues clearly understand and appreciate the shared challenge of addressing the transnational security threat posed by the drug cartels.

"It's crucial that talks today move us closer to action on a number of critical fronts.

"Together, Mexico and the U.S. must work aggressively to disrupt the cartels through better equipment, training, technology and shared intelligence.

"We must encourage President Calderon and leaders in Mexico to forge ahead with necessary structural reforms to bolster the rule of law.  And, for our part, the U.S. must address our country's insatiable demand for drugs.

"Both countries should embrace 'smart border' technology that allows commerce to flow but halts the flow of drugs, guns and money across our borders.

"And, perhaps most important of all is what our countries can do together to foster meaningful job creation, more vibrant economies and greater opportunities for Mexicans to counter the lure of the cartels.

"There have been notable successes in increased extraditions to the United States, removal of key drug trafficking leaders by Mexican security forces and seizures of record amounts of illegal narcotics in the U.S. and Mexico, but this war is far from finished, and we must remain steadfast and aggressive in the fight.

"Along both sides of the border at the state level, there's been bold and determined leadership, as well.  Texas Gov. Rick Perry is right to press for greater federal support and cross-border collaboration to contain the escalating violence and protect our communities."

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Former U.S. Ambassador Antonio O. Garza is counsel in the Mexico City office of White & Case and is a partner in ViaNovo, a U.S.-based public affairs consultancy.  He is online at www.tonygarza.com.

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