By Robert Kozak

MEXICO CITY, March 15 (Reuter) The United States' influential
ambassador to Mexico on Saturday tried to ease rising tensions between the
two nations, saying the United States had to shoulder some blame for drug
trafficking.

``We have a demand problem and we have a production problem and have to
tackle that with the same vigour that we want Mexico to tackle its own
production and transit problems,'' Ambassador James Jones said.

Jones' comments came at a rare news conference, apparently aimed at
quelling the growing unease since the U.S. House of Representatives voted to
overturn President Bill Clinton's ``certification'' on March 1 of Mexico as a
trustworthy ally in the fight against drugs.

The House resolution on Thursday would ``decertify'' Mexico in 90 days
unless Clinton reported substantial progress by Mexico in the antidrug war.

On Friday Mexico's President Ernesto Zedillo lashed out against the vote,
saying the United States should butt out of Mexico's affairs.

Many Mexicans regularly blast what they see as a hypocritical United
States judging other nations while continuing to provide the world's most
lucrative drug market.

``First, there has been progress in Mexico's cooperative efforts in
countering illicit narcotics, as required by our law,'' Jones said.

``Second, there has been more and better cooperation in efforts between
the United States and Mexico than in any time in our bilateral history,'' he
said.

Jones said Clinton's support for Mexico was as strong as ever, and
reiterated that Clinton would veto any resolution that decertifies Mexico.

The House measure, which passed by a vote of 251175, fell short of the
twothirds majority needed to override a presidential veto.

``Let me repeat again our view ... that President Clinton's decision for
full certification is fully warranted, given Mexico's welldemonstrated
commitment and proven progress in cooperation with the United States in the
fight against our common enemies, the drug traffickers,'' Jones said.

The U.S. Senate will likely vote on a similar resolution next Wednesday
or Thursday, Jones said.

But the Senate is seen as less likely to publicly chastise Mexico.

``After speaking to several Senate leaders this week, I think that they
will try to have a resolution that is more balanced, and which recognises
that the drug problem is one that is shared by our two countries,'' Jones
told reporters.