Mexico to welcome Obama visit

16/04/09 13:12 CET

world news

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US President Barack Obama arrives in Mexico today on his first trip to Latin America.

The visit is welcome in Mexico, which is at its lowest point since the mid-1990s, plagued by unprecedented criminal violence and a sharply contracting economy. Obama’s trip confirms Washington’s policy change toward Mexico, and in particular the fight against drug cartels. Immigration, and border security are also likely to top the agenda. Moves by Obama to secure hundreds of millions of dollars to help Mexico fight drug trafficking and his acknowledgement that Americans share the blame have prompted Mexico to cooperate in unprecedented ways. The new tone has made it easier for Mexico to welcome increased US border security and even US training for Mexico’s navy. On immigration, Obama is reported to want to revive attempts to reform the law, but on the Mexican side, hopes are low this will happen.More about: Barack Obama, Mexico, USA

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Mali: Rebel groups agree to creation of Islamic state

Two Rebel groups have agreed to merge and create an independent Islamic state in Northern Mali. After seizing Azawad – an area larger than France – two months ago, the groups had initially disagreed, with the secular Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA)…