MEXICANS HEAD TO WASHINGTON FOR DRUG TALKS

MEXICO CITY, - Mexico sent a high-level delegation to
Washington on Tuesday to hammer out joint efforts against drug
trafficking, in a visit coinciding with a U.S. debate on whether to
certify Mexico as a firm ally in the drug war.

Interior Minister Francisco Labastida headed the delegation, which
included representatives from the Mexican army, navy and Attorney
General's office. They were due to meet through Wednesday with such
U.S. officials as Attorney General Janet Reno and FBI Director Louis
Freeh.

But Mexican officials bristled at reporters' suggestions the visit was
aimed at ensuring that President Bill Clinton certified Mexico as a
partner worthy of receiving U.S. aid in fighting drug
trafficking.

"I'm not out to clarify anything," Labastida told reporters on
Tuesday. "What I'm interested in above all is reaching specific
accords that allow us to advance and make more efficient" anti-drug
efforts.

Clinton is due to meet Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo in the
Yucatan city of Merida on Feb. 15, with anti-drug cooperation among
the top issues.

The U.S. president is required by law to report to Congress by March 1
on anti-drug efforts by countries that are leading producers or
traffickers of narcotics. Countries failing to gain "certification"
are ineligible for U.S. government funding for anti-drug programmes.

Mexico has long rejected the annual process as unilateral and
meaningless as long as the U.S. demand for drugs is unchecked.

Mexico last week unveiled a programme that Labastida dubbed a "total
war" on drug trafficking, saying it would spend up to $500 million
over the next three years to stem the flow of narcotics through the
country.

U.S. officials say up to two-thirds of Colombian cocaine sold on
American streets filters through the border with Mexico. In addition
to being a transit point, Mexico is a major producer of marijuana,
opium and amphetamines.