PERRY RELUCTANT TO EMBRACE DRUG CERTIFICATION MORATORIUM

ASHINGTON -- Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Tuesday said he was unwilling
to embrace proposals that would suspend the federal government's
annual evaluation of Mexico's performance on fighting illegal drugs
and drug trafficking.

During a news conference with reporters outside the Capitol, Perry
said he would look at legislation proposing moratoriums, including
one sponsored by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas.

"I'd be hard pressed, without seeing some clear movement of progress,
just unilaterally removing it without sitting down and seeing some
clear direction from Mexico that they are making some progress, on
not this, but some other issues," Perry said.

Hutchison, who has been considering a run for governor in 2002, has
filed legislation seeking a one year moratorium on the annual drug
certification of Mexico.

Hutchison, a Republican, has said that with new presidents in each
country and with President Bush's knowledge of the U.S.-Mexican
border, it would be a good time for the two leaders to discuss other
ways to crack down on trafficking.

Perry, who ascended to governor when President Bush left the job for
the White House, has said he will seek election as governor in 2002.

For 14 years, Congress has required the president to annually certify
which countries are cooperating in the fight against drug
trafficking. Those considered not to be doing enough can be
"decertified" and face possible sanctions.

Under existing law, the president must prepare a list by Nov. 1 of
major drug producing or transporting countries. He must decide by
March 1 whether to certify them.

Sen. Charles Grassley, chairman of the Senate Caucus on International
Narcotics Control, also has introduced legislation offering some
changes to drug certification.

The Iowa Republican's legislation would allow the United States to
focus more on countries with poor records in fighting drugs, sparing
other countries from the annual critiques.

He is proposing that the Nov. 1 list include only countries that
violate international drug enforcement standards. If they fail to
improve by March 1, they could be decertified.

Perry said he wants to continue building on good relations with Mexico.

"My goal is for Mexico to be a full partner with the United States,
where we don't have concerns about drug trafficking, about the
environmental impact along the border, about the health and safety of
our citizens," Perry said. "It's not going to happen overnight, but I
think we should move in the direction of sending them clear messages
of: We respect you. You are important to our trade. We need to treat
them with respect, but also require they live up to their part of the
bargain."