GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) —Targeting the long recession, President Barack Obama said Monday that he and the leaders of Mexico and Canada agreed to "aggressive, coordinated action" to restore growth across North America.
Noting the huge trading partnership among the three neighbors, Obama said that commerce must be expanded, not restricted.
The president also emphasized a need for orderly and legal migration, a sensitive issue on all borders.
On Mexico's turf, Obama backed Mexican President Felipe Calderon and his efforts to take on drug cartels during a spiraling war on drugs and guns. Washington is debating whether to withhold money to help fight the powerful cartels because of allegations that the Mexican military has been guilty of human rights abuses.
Obama said he had great confidence that under Calderon "human rights will be observed."
Calderon said the Mexican government has an "absolute and categorical" commitment to human rights.
Wrapping up a North American summit, Obama joined Calderon and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper for a news conference after about two hours of talks.
In a written statement, they pledged a united effort on economic recovery, trade, swine flu and climate change. A statement from the leaders said their nations offered a "joint, responsible and transparent" response to the spreading swine flu threat.
They men spoke at the end of a swift North American Leaders' Summit, an annual gathering launched during George W. Bush's presidency. The gathering typically yields fresh promises of coordination on many issues but no breakthroughs or initiatives.
The leaders renewed calls for the restoration of Honduran President Manuel Zelaya, who was ousted in a June 28 coup.
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