Mexico Seeks Peaceful Resolution in Iraq
washingtonpost.com
The Associated Press
Sunday, March 2, 2003; 6:58 PM
As he rode a horse along the U.S.-Mexico border, President Vicente Fox said Sunday that his country, a member of the U.N. Security Council, would continue to seek a peaceful resolution to the Iraq conflict.
Fox, who is under pressure at home to reject a Security Council resolution authorizing force to disarm Saddam Hussein, declined to say how Mexico would cast its vote, despite heavy U.S. pressure to back the United States in its quest to win U.N. approval for war with Iraq.
"It is indispensable that our country make a grand effort to collaborate for world peace, to fight to avoid a war and to come together globally in the fight against terrorism," Fox said during an annual horse ride along Mexico's northern border.
Mexico's public opposes a U.S.-led war against Iraq and Fox has consistently called for a peaceful resolution to the situation.
"We are working with other leaders, other countries - particularly the United States - to find a way to disarm Iraq," he said. "Assuring the total disarmament of Iraq is the true path to peace."
But some Mexican officials fear that failure to support the Bush administration could jeopardize the country's close economic and political ties with its neighbor.
Fox, accompanied by four northern governors during the 30-mile ride, said Mexico had taken measures to ensure its security and insisted that Mexico's economy could withstand a possible war.
"In Mexico, we don't have to worry," he said. "The country is united. The country advances, and advances well."
The northern governors said they were struggling with recent budget cuts, and they worried that the loss of jobs along the border would contribute to greater migration north.
"I am here to promise you, along with your governors, that we will provide the support that this part of our dear country needs to stay on the cutting edge," Fox said.
He declined to say whether he would meet with President Bush to discuss Iraq.
"International peace is a priority, and for that reason also we should look for the disarmament," of Iraq, Fox said.
© 2003 The Associated Press |
