Obama Says Drug Cartels Violate Human Rights, Vows To Continue Fight

GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) – President Barack Obama says drug cartels are the largest violators of human rights in Mexico and he has confidence Mexican President Felipe Calderon is cracking down without violating human rights.

Obama on Monday, however, did not say whether his State Department would certify that Mexico is protecting human rights i its efforts to fight the drug traders.

U.S. law requires Congress to withhold some drug-fighting funding unless the State Department reports Mexico is respecting human rights. A $100 million installment of a $1.4 billion package is being delayed over rising concerns among some in Congress about the Mexican army’s abuses.

Calderon says his government has an “absolute and categorical” commitment to human rights, even those of cartel members.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)