Mexico says US has agreed on second round of anti-drug aid, more focus on social programs

Mexico: US to offer second round of anti-drug aid

MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s top diplomat says the United States and Mexico have agreed on a second round of U.S. anti-drug aid for Mexico. She says it will include increased focus on training and social programs.

Foreign Relations Secretary Patricia Espinosa says the amount of money, time frame and name of the new round have yet to be determined.

She said Tuesday there have been delays in disbursing the $1.1 billion promised under the first round of the Merida Initiative framework approved in 2007.

An investigation by The Associated Press showed only $161 million of that money has been spent so far.

The United States previously agreed to extend Merida aid at least one more year under a program called “Beyond Merida.”