FINALLY--SOMEBODY NOTICED - US switches special friendship from UK to Mexico

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Current News : One Thread

ET

US special relationship switched to Mexico By Ben Fenton in Washington (Filed: 06/09/2001)

PRESIDENT BUSH signalled Britain's diminishing significance in Washington's worldview yesterday, saying America "has no more important relationship in the world" than with Mexico.

He greeted President Vicente Fox of Mexico at the White House, giving him the honour of being the first leader to be granted a state visit to Washington during his term of office.

He said: "Mexico was the first country I visited as president. Today it is my privilege to welcome President Fox for the first state visit of my administration.

"This is a recognition that the United States has no more important relationship in the world than the one we have with Mexico."

Mr Bush was using language more often associated with Britain, which most members of the US armed forces and the majority of those in Congress still regard as America's principal ally.

But the Bush White House has made clear that Britain now stands only as one of several states with powerful claims to American friendship, rather than enjoying a "special relationship".

Mr Bush, who was formerly governor of Texas, has always enjoyed a close relationship with Mexican politicians. His state shares a border of more than 900 miles with the country.

During his election campaign he often cited his experience at dealing with Mexico's political leaders to rebuff criticism that he had insufficient experience of international affairs to lead America.

The Bush administration also sees establishing good relations with its southern neighbour as vital to securing the President's re-election in 2004.

Without an increase in the number of votes from Hispanic citizens, the majority of whom hail from Mexico, Mr Bush's main advisers doubt that he can win a second term.

So there are good reasons for Mr Bush to cement his relationship with Mr Fox with the honour of being the first state dinner guest. Bill Clinton's first state dinner was not held until 18 months after his inauguration, with Emperor Hirohito of Japan as his guest.

By then he had held a string of 16 working lunches, including as his first European guest John Major, then the prime minister, a month after Mr Clinton took office.

Mr Bush's father had President Mubarak as his first state dinner guest in April 1989. The Queen was similarly feted in 1991.

Ronald Reagan's first official dinner, a formal event one step down from a state dinner at which the main guest is a head of government rather than a head of state, was held five weeks after his inauguration. His guest was Margaret Thatcher.

The Mexican visit will be dominated by concerns that relations between the two countries could be soured by the northbound flood of migrants.

Mr Fox surprised his hosts by suggesting that they could reach an agreement on migration by the end of the year. Washington hoped they might get some form of agreement before the end of Mr Bush's first term in 2005.

Before Mr Fox's arrival, Mr Bush said: "My foreign policy begins with this simple proposition, but a profound one: the best foreign policy means you've got to have a good neighbourhood, starts with your own neighbourhood."

The American President seemed determined not to let Mr Fox, whose popularity is already dwindling at home, go back with nothing to show for his 62-hour visit.

"We're going to sign a document, there'll be a statement, there will be all kinds of different subjects that will be covered. He will be able to go back and tout a unique relationship," he said.

-- Anonymous, September 06, 2001


Moderation questions? read the FAQ