U.S. SHOULD ABANDON DRUG-WAR CERTIFICATION

While U.S.-Mexico relations have improved greatly during the last
decade, a remaining thorn for Mexico is the United States' annual
certification of allies in the war against illegal drugs.

But not only is it humiliating for Mexico, it also is ineffective and
serves no useful purpose for the United States.

Thus, it is encouraging to hear Mexico's President-elect Vicente Fox
call for an end to the certification process.

And it is equally encouraging that Gen. Barry McCaffrey, the U.S.
anti-drug czar, agrees.

Although the United States has always certified Mexico - despite
strong congressional opposition - the Mexicans have never been happy
about the process, which is insulting to their national sovereignty.

The certification exercise also is hypocritical of the United States.
After all, this nation has a drug problem because millions of
Americans just cannot say no.

The drug menace is real for both nations, perhaps more for Mexico
because it is in danger of becoming another Colombia.

We hope that a Bush or a Gore administration agrees with Fox and
pushes for the end of certification.

The two nations need each other to fight the drug war. Heightened
tension over the certification makes it harder to do so.