NATION SHOULD END CERTIFICATION PROCESS

Since 1986, the United States has subjected nations such as Mexico to a
humiliating and counterproductive process to determine if they are serious
about combating drugs.

The spring ritual, officially known as the annual certification process, is
an irritation south of the border.

The annual scrutiny offends Mexicans because they find it hypocritical for
Uncle Sam to blame other nations for a drug habit that Americans cannot kick.

When President Bush travels to Mexico on Friday to visit President Vicente
Fox, cooperation on drug issues will be a topic of high priority, as it
should be.

But unless the law is changed, Bush will, on his return, face a process in
which this nation passes judgment on Mexico's efforts. Although
U.S.-Mexican relations have never been better, this will create unnecessary
friction between the two nations.

For Bush to make Mexico a foreign-policy priority, as he promised during
the presidential campaign, he should push Congress to end the certification
process. There is growing support in Washington for the effort. Sen.
Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., have introduced
S. 219 to end certification.

We urge Texas Sens. Phil Gramm and Kay Bailey Hutchison, who understand the
problem, to lead support for the effort.

Times have changed since the mid-1980s when corrupt Mexican officials
played a role in the kidnapping, torture and murder of U.S. Drug
Enforcement Administration agent Enrique Camarena.

With limited success, former President Ernesto Zedillo did what he could
during his six-year term.

Fox already has declared a more aggressive war against Mexico's drug
barons. If he doesn't succeed, it will not be for lack of trying.

Instead of arguing whether to certify Mexico as an ally on the drug war,
Washington should discuss how it can help Fox.

Fox does not have the nationalistic view that prevented his predecessors
from accepting U.S. assistance in fighting the drug menace. Cooperation
must replace certification.