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Edited/Distributed by HURINet - The Human Rights Information Network
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## author     : ifex@web.net
## date       : 09.12.97
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International Freedom of Expression eXchange Clearing House
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IFEX "COMMUNIQUE" # 6-48                9 December 1997

MEXICO: EU & MEXICO SIGN ACCORD, PROMISE TO RESPECT HUMAN
RIGHTS

On 8 December 1997, the European Union and Mexico formally
signed an agreement which includes respect for human rights,
reports Reporters sans frontieres (RSF). RSF urges that the
agreement be respected at a time when "serious attacks
against press freedom are occurring in Mexico." The
political coordination and cooperation partnership
agreement, which is to govern relations between the EU and
Mexico as soon as it is ratified by their respective
legislatures, contains a "democratic clause" based "on the
respect of democratic principles and human rights."
According to the terms of the accord, failure to abide by
this clause could jeopardize the entire agreement. On 17
October 1997, following his visit to France and Germany,
Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo created an
inter-ministerial commission to ensure Mexico respects its
international commitments relating to human rights. RSF
says, "This commission must demonstrate, through the results
of its work, a real political willingness to create an
environment for the freedom to inform and to be informed."

** ** **

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