U.S. BACKS AGENTS IN MEXICO DISPUTE

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House of Representatives has put a heavy stamp of
approval on a U.S. undercover anti-narcotics sting operation that has
strained relations with Mexico.

A nonbinding resolution, approved 404-3 Monday night, also states that the
United States ``should not extradite to Mexico'' American law enforcement
agents involved in a money-laundering operation that netted 150 arrests,
including several Mexican bankers.

``Operation Casablanca,'' also resulted in the seizure of $110 million and
indictments against three Mexican banks in the United States. The Mexican
government has expressed anger that U.S. agents carried out the sting
without informing Mexican officials, and has indicated that it wants to
prosecute the agents and to seek their extradition to face criminal
charges. ``While their shock is predictable their threats against U.S. law
enforcement agents is disappointing and should not be given credence,''
said Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Ala., sponsor of the resolution. ``It is truly
outrageous for the government of Mexico to threaten to seek extradition of
our law enforcement agents.''

The Mexican foreign secretariat issued a statement lamenting the
resolution. ``It's most strange, to say the least, that the U.S.
legislature seems to be unaware of the legal structure in force between the
two countries in terms of bilateral cooperation to combat drug trafficking
and, in particular, money laundering,'' the statement said.

Checked-by: Richard Lake