Calderon pressures Bush on immigration
MERIDA, MEXICO — Mexican President Felipe Calderon chastised President Bush on Tuesday for doing too little to stem the causes of illegal immigration and for failing to curb the U.S. appetite for illegal drugs.
Opening a two-day meeting aimed at easing strained relations, Calderon reminded Bush that he had once said that "there is no relationship the world over that is more relevant to the United States than the one with Mexico."
"Unfortunately, [because of] the terrible events against the United States, priorities changed," said Calderon, referring to the Sept. 11 attacks. "Nevertheless, I believe that it is now time to retake the spirit of those words and to direct our relationship toward a path of mutual prosperity."
Calderon told Bush of the pain caused in Mexico by the departure of millions of migrants, a movement that has divided families and emptied pueblos. The costs are more than personal, he said.
"Mexicans lose in each migrant the best of our people: young people, working people, audacious people, strong people," Calderon said. "This is why we want to generate jobs for Mexicans here in Mexico, because that is the only way to truly solve the immigration issue."
When it was his turn to speak, Bush repeated pledges made a day earlier in Guatemala that he would work forcefully to pass an immigration overhaul this year, as well as reduce the demand for illegal drugs.
"I respect your views on migration," Bush said. "Because we're working together, I believe we will make good progress on this important issue," he added. "Together, we're working to ensure that we have a secure and modern border that speeds the legitimate flow of people and commerce, and stop those who threaten our common safety and prosperity."
Calderon's opening remarks, delivered at a lush hacienda about 30 miles outside this former Maya stronghold, were unusually pointed for a welcome speech, when presidents tend to exchange pleasantries, saving their differences for later.
White House officials said the frank tone was not surprising.
"The fact that they were direct with each other in public and direct with each other behind closed doors is a sign of the maturity of the relationship
Calderon, who began his six-year term in December, would like to be seen here as standing up to the United States and as a strong leader who is seeking more respect for Mexico than his predecessor, Vicente Fox.
