An "insatiable" appetite in the United States for illegal drugs is to blame for much of the violence ripping through Mexico, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said last night.
Ms Clinton acknowledged the US role in Mexico's vicious drug war as she arrived in Mexico for a two-day visit where she discussed US plans to ramp up security on the border with President Felipe Calderon.
A surge in drug gang killings to 6,300 last year and fears the violence could seep over the border has put Mexico's drug war high on President Barack Obama's agenda, after years of Mexico feeling that Washington was neglecting a joint problem.
"Our insatiable demand for illegal drugs fuels the drug trade. Our inability to prevent weapons from being illegally smuggled across the border to arm these criminals causes the death of police officers, soldiers and civilians," Ms Clinton told reporters during her flight to Mexico City.
"I feel very strongly we have a co-responsibility."
Ms Clinton said the Obama administration strongly backed Mexico in its fight with the drug cartels and vowed the United States would try to speed up the transfer of drug-fighting equipment promised under a 2007 agreement.
"We will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you ... Our relationship is far greater than any threat," Ms Clinton said at a news conference in Mexico City.
Crushing the drug cartels, who arm themselves with smuggled US weapons and leave slain rivals, sometimes beheaded, in public streets, has become the biggest test of Mr Calderon's presidency as the bloodshed rattles investors and tourists.
Reuters