Clinton defied on Mexico

WASHINGTON - A US House of Representatives committee voted yesterday to overturn President Clinton's finding that Mexico is fully…

WASHINGTON - A US House of Representatives committee voted yesterday to overturn President Clinton's finding that Mexico is fully co-operating in the anti-drug war but to waive imposition of sanctions against the Mexican government.

Over administration objections, the International Relations Committee voted 27-5 to send the measure to the full house for action. Similar legislation has been introduced in the Senate.

Under a 1961 law congressional disapproval of Mr Clinton's certification last Friday that Mexico is an anti-drug ally automatically means a ban on US aid and requires votes against multilateral development bank assistance to Mexico. But the panel and many members of Congress are unwilling to go that far.