Mexico president hints legalizing drugs may be needed

[Judi Lynn]

Mexico president hints legalizing drugs may be needed
Tue Sep 20, 2011 2:50am GMT
By Dave Graham

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Mexican President Felipe Calderon on Monday turned up pressure on the United States to curb demand for illicit drugs, hinting that legalization of narcotics may be needed to weaken the drug cartels.

Mexico, which has been racked by a bloody conflict between the government and drug cartels, is paying the price for its proximity to the United States, Calderon said in a speech to the Americas Society and Council of the Americas in New York.

"We are living in the same building. And our neighbour is the largest consumer of drugs in the world. And everybody wants to sell him drugs through our doors and our windows," he said.

"We must do everything to reduce demand for drugs," Calderon added. "But if the consumption of drugs cannot be limited, then decision-makers must seek more solutions -- including market alternatives -- in order to reduce the astronomical earnings of criminal organizations."

More:
http://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFTRE78J0KL20110920?rpc=401&feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&rpc=401

[bemildred]

1. Such a timid soul.

The country is coming apart around his ears.