Secretary of State nominee, Senator John Kerry, has vowed to strengthen ties with Mexico and assist in that country’s war on drug traffickers and cartels.  Kerry made his comments on Mexico during his confirmation hearings yesterday.

He vowed to help Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto continuing fight against narco cartels, one that was started by his predecessor Felipe Calderon.  Kerry also voiced approval with Peña Nieto efforts to strengthen Mexico’s judiciary system in his fight against organized crime.  His comments also included continued support for the Merida Initiative that provides funding for the fight against drug trafficking and money laundering here and in Mexico. 

Since 2008 the U.S. has provided Mexico and Central America with over $400 million for the Merida Initiative.  There is fear that budget cutbacks will negatively effect this program – Kerry vows to fight for its existence.

Senator Kerry, 69, also acknowledged the U.S. role in drug trafficking by being the largest global consumer of illegal drugs.