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Mexico's New President Vowing To Fight
Pubdate: Thu, 01 Feb 2001
Source: National Public Radio
Show: Morning Edition
Copyright: 2001 National Public Radio
Host: Bob Edwards
Reporter: Carrie Kahn
MEXICO'S NEW PRESIDENT VOWING TO FIGHT CORRUPTION IN POLITICS AND LAW
ENFORCEMENT
BOB EDWARDS, host:
Mexico's President Vicente Fox is on a national crusade against crime. Last
week he declared war on the country's notorious drug traffickers. Yesterday
he announced he's taking on corruption in the nation's law enforcement
system. Fox, who last year ousted Mexico's long-running PRI party, says
it's going to take time to stamp out widespread abuse, but he's urging the
nation's citizens to take an active role in the fight. Carrie Kahn of
member station KPBS reports from Tijuana.
CARRIE KAHN reporting:
Fox's national anti-crime crusade comes on the heels of an embarrassing
prison escape by one of Mexico's most notorious drug kingpins. The
breakout highlighted the depth of corruption and the power of criminals
that Fox must deal with. Seemingly undeterred, the president headed for
Tijuana, one of Mexico's most violent cities, to continue his dramatic
declarations.
President VICENTE FOX (Mexico): We're gonna fight corruption in politic
crime as never has happened in Mexico.
KAHN: Under heavy security, Fox spoke at several spots throughout the
border city. He outlined his plans for cracking down on dishonest
officials and overhauling the country's corrupt judicial system. At a
packed hotel ballroom, Fox told hundreds of business and community leaders
that he will open court records and police investigations to the public in
order to win back society's trust.
Pres. FOX: (Spanish spoken)
KAHN: He says the opening will allow society to judge for themselves
whether the government is performing well. But Fox warns that at the same
time citizens must open up, too, and help out.
Pres. FOX: (Through Translator) We need your help so that families, so that
society, so that the community will no longer harbor criminals, delinquents
and drug traffickers. We need you to go public and to tell everyone who
and where these criminals are.
KAHN: Getting society to stop turning a blind eye to crime and corruption
may be as difficult a task for Fox as cracking down on infamous drug
traffickers. Mexicans rarely report crimes and often fear police. But
Fox's new national security adviser, Adolfo Aguilar Zinser, says it's not
so much that the culture must change. He says honesty, compassion and
respect of the law have always been strong Mexican values. They've just
been lost lately.
Mr. ADOLFO AGUILAR ZINSER (National Security Adviser): Because people is
desperate, because people does not trust the authorities, but we are going
to recover the trust of the people and with that, we're going to recover
all of the values that have created this great country.
KAHN: As Fox spoke in the hotel, Alfonso Leyal(ph) waited outside hoping to
catch a glimpse of the charismatic new president. The Tijuana shoe shiner
says it's going to take a lot more than speeches to change society's view
of the law.
Mr. ALFONSO LEYAL (Mexican Resident): (Spanish spoken)
KAHN: Leyal says, 'If Fox wants our help, then he's got to do more for us.'
He says, 'Salaries need to increase and opportunities need to open up if
people are going to feel better about the government.'
Fox couldn't agree more. He said several times during the day that the war
against corruption will be fought on two fronts, with better police and
with better jobs. For NPR News, I'm Carrie Kahn in Tijuana, Mexico.
EDWARDS: The time is 21 minutes before the hour.
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