Mexico president vows to continue fighting crime

Mexican President Felipe Calderon said Friday at a public ceremony that his government will continue fighting drug trafficking and all forms of organized crime in what he described as "a long war that will cost lives."

Organized crime scares off investment and tourism, Calderon told regional governors in Tlaxcala, the capital of the state of the same name, 80 km east of Mexico.

President Calderon, who described gangsters as "Mexico's enemies," said crime will block economic development "if there is a prevailing perception that insecurity dominates the country."

Calderon said he had mobilized 30,000 soldiers and police to conduct massive operations to wipe out drug trafficking.

He reiterated that the country "is stronger than any criminal organization," saying that his government will not take a step back despite reported frequent murders in Mexico.

In 2006, gangsters in Mexico murdered more than 2,000 people, including 30 police officers.

He told the governors that his government will propose a law to Mexico's legislature, the Congress, to strengthen the fight against criminals. The president also said that Mexico will use advanced technology to fight crime.

He called on all citizens, local governments, political parties, press and churches to join him in seeking victory over Mexico's mafias.

Source: Xinhua