Merida Initiative NOT Plan Mexico

According to The Government Accountability Office over 90% of cocaine coming into the United States now transits through Mexico. This has given rise to a huge amount of gang and criminal activity inside Mexico and along our southern border. In an effort to combat this problem, President Bush recently announced that he has requested $1.4 billion in funding over the next three years for a new security cooperation initiative with Mexico and Central America called "The Merida Initiative". To learn more, please open the attachment.

NEWS:

• LAST MINUTE: Chávez announces second offensive to reform the Constitution . Chávez sees as good Spanish congratulation on referendum. Spain’s Prince Felipe not to transmit any message to Chávez. Military urged Chavez to concede defeat – Chávez denies claims. University students call for dialogue. Chávez: The people may advance constitutional reform. Bush: Venezuela’s Chavez defeat: vote for Democracy. According to reports, the NO vote defeated the YES vote by a larger margin. Chávez: Venezuela is not ready for socialism. Mismatch between NGO Súmate and CNE numbers. Parliament insists on advancing Chávez’s defeated reform. Food prices climb 7.1 percent in November. Purchasing power shrinks amidst soaring inflation. ADL condemns Caracas raid on Jewish club. President Chávez to attend inauguration of Cristina Kirchner; Mercosur meeting.
• Senate Approves US Trade Deal with Peru.
• FARC hostages: first proof of life in four years . For France, Chávez’s mediation in hostage release is ancient history. The Colombian government to deal directly with the FARC.
• Brazilian press warns against Chávez’s "authoritarian plans." Brazilian Senate speaker resigns amid corruption scandal.
• OPEC keeps oil output unchanged.
• Opposition governors say Bolivia headed toward dictatorship. Protests continue in Bolivia.
• Argentina confirms sale of bonds to Venezuela. Kirchner Thanks Venezuela for Solidarity.
• Mercosur has become "irrelevant" and "too complicated."

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