US-MEXICO PLAN AIMS TO CUT DRUG USE

EL PASO -- The U.S. and Mexico hope to reduce drug demand with a
six-step program announced Friday.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy announced a cooperative
effort between both countries to reduce illegal drug use.

"We share in the responsibility for the consumption and production of
illegal narcotics in the U.S. and Mexico," said Rep. Silvestre Reyes,
D-Texas.

"This joint declaration not only underscores our two countries' shared
commitment to reducing the demand side of the problem, it reflects a
common understanding that we can't solve this problem through force
alone."

Mexico has been at war with drug cartels since President Felipe
Calderon took office in 2006. The cartels have fought back, and an
estimated 15,000 people have been killed in Mexico. In Juarez alone,
more than 4,600 people have died as a result of a drug war between the
Sinaloa and the Juarez drug cartels. Each wants to control the
lucrative corridor through the El Paso area.

Officials on both sides of the border have said that consumption of
drugs on the U.S side of the border fuels the violence in Mexico.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy said both countries have
come up with plans to intensify prevention and treatment by
strengthening families to reduce criminal organizations.

The six steps include providing more and better addiction treatment;
expanding the use of screening for substance abuse disorders;
implementing evidence-based prevention techniques; improving the
quality of health care for substance abusers; and promoting
innovations in criminal justice.

"The binational meeting and declaration on reducing drug abuse reflect
a commitment by the United States and Mexico to intensify ongoing
drug-control efforts and a recognition that by focusing on prevention
and treatment of substance abuse disorders, we can significantly
improve the public health and safety of our peoples," said Gil
Kerlikowske, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

"I urge President Obama and President Calderon to continue these types
of cooperative efforts to implement bilateral solutions to decrease
drug use in both the U.S. and Mexico," Reyes said.

To reduce the demand for drugs, both nations pledged to continue
domestic initiatives. Mexico has already started a project to train
and accredit drug-treatment providers. The goal is to have 600
counselors accessible to the public.

The Obama administration's National Drug Control Strategy is expected
to call for increased emphasis on prevention, treatment and recovery
support services.