U.S. MAY NOT EXTRADITE DRUG AGENTS

WASHINGTON--The Clinton administration is signaling Mexico not to expect
U.S. agents to be turned over for trial on possible infractions of Mexican
law while mounting an anti-narcotics sting operation south of the border.

Some U.S. lawmakers are praising the three-year Operation Casablanca for
striking a severe blow at Mexican narcotrafficking rings. But Mexican
officials have accused the United States of trampling on Mexican sovereignty
with the operation, which was carried out without the permission or
knowledge of Mexican authorities. Mexico also has warned that prosecution
and extradition requests may be forthcoming. But Secretary of State
Madeleine Albright said Thursday there will be limits to U.S. cooperation.

"We will be as cooperative as we can, but I do think that prosecution and
extradition would be counterproductive," she said.

She suggested the two countries look to the future. "We have to keep our
mind on what it is we're trying to do together, which is to get those who
are engaged in criminal activities that are damaging both countries,"

she said. Albright spoke at a news conference, standing beside Mexican
Foreign Secretary Rosario Green, who seemed intent on easing cross-border
tensions generated by the dispute. She said anti-drug operations should be
carried out jointly and based on shared principles. As for Operation
Casablanca, Green said only that the investigation "has to be pursued
according to law." Her nonconfrontational approach contrasted with remarks
by Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo, who demanded Monday that the United
States respect Mexican sovereignty. No nation, he said, should feel
"entitled to violate another country's for the sake of enforcing its own."

Much like Green, Albright sought to put a positive cast on the overall
relationship. She said she was overwhelmed by the good will demonstrated by
the two sides in grappling with an array of cross-border issues during two
days of discussions.

More than a dozen cabinet officials from each country participated in the
State Department talks.

Albright said she and Green agreed to install hot lines to permit instant
communication.

Some Republican lawmakers indicated Thursday they are not about to let
Mexico off the hook with the claim that its sovereignty was violated by the
sting.

At a House Banking Committee hearing, Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Ala., called
Mexico a "money-laundering black hole" and said keeping its officials
uninformed about the sting was necessary to protect U.S. Customs agents.

Checked-by: "Rolf Ernst"