FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jonathan M. Baron

Monday, March 3, 1997 (202) 224 8049

Georgia's Senior offers key legislation on U.S. drug
policy... COVERDELL INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN BILL CLINTON
CERTIFICATION OF MEXICO

"The Desperate state of the drug war demands honesty
among friends"

WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Paul Coverdell (RGA)
Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee's Subcommittee
on Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps, Narcotics, and
Terrorism today joined Senators Jesse Helms (RNC) and
Diane Feinstein (D CA) in introducing bipartisan
legislation to disapprove the Clinton Administration's
certification of Mexico's antidrug efforts. "The desperate
state of the drug war demands honesty among friends, and
Mexico has clearly failed to satisfy the legal criteria
required for certification. "We cannot make real progress
in the war against drugs without an accurate assessment
of the problems confronting our entire Hemisphere. this
legislation would provide the people of Mexico and the
United States a candid and factual appraisal, Coverdell
remarked

Coverdell has supported decertification of Mexico with a
waiver of any sanctions in order to protect the special
relationship and interests shared by the two nations
"Republicans and Democrats alike believe the President must
treat Mexico and the war on drugs with honesty and
sincerity, and I urge President Clinton to change course
immediately." Coverdell concluded.