Speech #990240700

The events of the next several days can represent a fresh beginning for the United States and Mexico as we acknowledge our common problems and devise constructive strategies for solutions instead of assessing blame. On the part of the United States. it is time that we finally appreciate the political risks that the Do La Madrid administration has taken in attempting to reform previously restrictive trade policies. curbing capitol flight. and generally taking steps to bring the Republic of Mexico into an Increasingly competitive international economic community. President Do La Madrid. for his part. can hopefully come away from these meetings with a sense that we are sincerely Interested In resolving a variety of bilateral concernssuch as narcotics trafficking and Illegal Immigrationwithout dictating to our southern neighbor the manner In which these solutions will be carried out. Over the last several months. I have been encouraged by the frank admission of some administration officials that this country Is sorely lacking a comprehensive foreign policy regarding our relationship with Mexico.