Mexican gov't defends anti-crime strategy

The Mexican government on Monday rejected criticism that it lacks a clear strategy in fighting crimes.

The federal government has a clear, five-point strategy to reduce criminal activities such as drug smuggling and violence, which have caused more than 35,000 deaths over the past four and a half years, said National Security Officer Alejandro Poire.

It involves working cooperatively with local authorities to weaken and dismantle criminal groups, increasing the professional skills and quality of law enforcement officials, reforming the country's legal and security institutions, introducing improved public policies and seeking international cooperation, he said through his blog.

Under this strategy, Mexican officials have started a campaign to better explain the objectives and outcomes of the ongoing enforcement action against drug cartels and organized criminal groups.

"Some believe that the federal government does not have a strategy and bases the fight against organized crime only on the use of force," Poire said. "This, like other (rumors), is a myth, because since the beginning, the administration has had a comprehensive strategy."

Source: Xinhua

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