U.S. Official Says Mexico Aid Won’t Be Tied To Extraditions

MEXICO CITY (AP) – A State Department official today clarified a proposed 1.4 billion dollar U.S. anti-drug aid package won’t be contingent on Mexico’s performance in extraditing suspects.

But David Johnson says the proposed agreement likely would increase cooperation and extraditions.

Johnson heads the department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

He clarified statements he made a day earlier during a visit to Mexico that indicated the aid package might be tied to the number of criminals sent across the border to the U.S.

Johnson says both Mexico and the U.S. will determine how to judge whether the aid is being used effectively Mexico refuses to extradite anyone who could receive the death penalty.

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