CLINTON, ON MEXICO VISIT, PRAISES HOSTS' DRUG EFFORTS

President Clinton on Monday strongly endorsed Mexico's narcotics- fighting
efforts, weeks before an expected showdown with Congress over whether to
give this country its annual passing grade as an ally in the drug war.

"Mexico should not be penalized for having the courage to confront its
problems," the visiting Clinton said in a speech at an ornate
turn-of-the-century theater here in the capital of Yucatan state, signaling
that he will certify Mexico as he has in the past.

The President also fueled speculation that his wife, Hillary, might run for
a U.S. Senate seat from New York. "She would be terrific," Clinton said. He
quickly added that she has not made a decision and that he would
enthusiastically support whatever she does.

As a highlight of his 23-hour trip, Clinton reached agreement with Mexican
President Ernesto Zedillo on a detailed list of steps their countries will
take in fighting narcotics trafficking. It was one of eight agreements on
cross-border concerns, ranging from immigration to tuberculosis, announced
during the trip.

But the drug agreement seemed an incremental step rather than a major
announcement that could appease congressional critics of Mexico's anti-drug
performance. And the U.S. anti-drug czar, Barry R. McCaffrey, who was part
of Clinton's entourage, sidestepped questions about what will happen if the
two countries fail to meet the anti- drug goals.

"The goal of this isn't so much a grading sheet as trying to keep us both
on this cooperative track," McCaffrey told reporters.

Mexico has emerged in recent years as the major route for traffickers
sending cocaine to the United States. It also produces significant amounts
of heroin and marijuana.

Clinton's visit appeared aimed, in part, at building support for Mexico
before the annual U.S. review of drug-fighting allies, which the President
must announce by March 1. Administration officials expect Congress to fight
to overturn a presidential certification of Mexico. Such a move could lead
to economic sanctions against Mexico, the United States' No. 2 trading
partner.

In recent years, the drug certification process has become the most bitter
subject in relations between the neighbors.