Mexico Rules Out Joint Border Patrols With U.S.

Mexico will cooperate with the United States in sharing intelligence to fight drug trafficking but does not plan joint patrols with U.S. forces, President Felipe Calderon said Monday.

“We do have to work together but that does not imply the joint participation in military operations or even a joint participation of law enforcement agents,” Calderon said at a press conference during a state visit to London.

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The United States has stepped up security on the border with Mexico after new President Barack Obama put Mexico’s drug war high on his agenda.

Crushing the drug cartels, who arm themselves with smuggled U.S. weapons and leave slain rivals in public streets, has become the biggest test of Calderon’s presidency as the bloodshed rattles investors and tourists.

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