U.S.-MEXICO ANTI-DRUG EFFORT URGED

MEXICO CITY - The U.S. ambassador to Mexico said Thursday that
cooperation, not confrontation, is needed to combat illegal drugs.

"Acting alone, we cannot face, we cannot confront and beat the
narcotics traffickers. We have to do this in a cooperative fashion,"
Jeffrey Davidow told the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico City.

President Clinton is expected to endorse Mexico's anti-narcotics
efforts on Friday

"Mexico's efforts in fighting narcotics are appreciated in the United
States," Davidow said. But alluding to criticism within the United
States of Mexico's anti-drug efforts, he added, "We have a lot more to
do, and we will do it."

The certification decision expected Friday has caused irritation on
both sides of the border.

A ruling that Mexico had not fully cooperated in fighting drugs would
have led to financial sanctions, although U.S. officials have made
clear the decision will be in Mexico's favor.

Mexican officials have repeatedly denounced the process as an
insulting interference in their affairs, saying it creates tensions
that hinder cooperation.

Many U.S. congressmen and anti-drug activists insist Clinton should
rule against Mexico because of declining drug seizures and alleged
lack of cooperation against traffickers.

Mexico is both the main transit route to the United States for South
American drugs and a significant producer of illegal narcotics.