MEXICO AMBASSADOR DEFENDS U.S. POLICIES

MEXICO CITY - U.S. ambassador to Mexico Tony Garza defended U.S.
immigration and security policy Thursday, offering any help Mexico may need
to battle drug violence along the countries' common border.

Garza's statement was more conciliatory than his recent comments, including
his complaint two days ago that immigrant and drug traffickers had the
border in a "choke hold."

His public requests that Mexico do more to fight border violence have
angered President Vicente Fox's administration, which has countered that
the United States should pass immigration reform allowing more legal
immigrants.

But in his statement Thursday, Garza argued that both countries want the
same thing: a secure border, with orderly immigration.

"In any long-term and meaningful friendship, difficult discussions are
inevitable," Garza said. "I have tried to speak openly and honestly these
past few weeks about America's need for a secure border and legal
immigration. It is important to remember in our discussions on immigration
that efforts by the United States to stop illegal immigration do not amount
to an attack on immigration as a whole. "

Garza also pointed out that President Bush defended immigrants in his State
of the Union address Tuesday night, arguing that the U.S. economy couldn't
function without foreign-born workers.

In a video conference from France, Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Ernesto
Derbez said he was heartened by Bush's comments, saying it showed that "the
president of the United States recognizes what we have been saying for a
long time."

Mexico has long pushed the United States to allow more people to work
legally within its borders, and Bush has proposed giving temporary visas to
those who seek jobs legally.

But Bush's immigration reform proposal -- as well as other similar ideas --
have stalled amid a national push to increase security along the border.

Mexico has bristled at suggestions it isn't doing enough to stop nearly
daily gunbattles and homicides, especially along the border.

But Garza said Thursday increased security was in both countries' interests.

"A desire to live in a safe and secure society does not stop at the border
. ," he said. "Mexicans, just like Americans, want to live in a peaceful
and secure society where they do not have to fear for their safety or the
safety of their children."

He described having "several very positive and ... constructive
discussions" this week with members of Fox's administration.

"I offer any and all cooperation our government can provide in combating
narco-violence and making our border region safe for our citizens, and I
look forward to working closely with the Mexican people to achieve our
common goals," he said.