May 21, 1999
By Scott Lindlaw
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
SACRAMENTO - Ernesto Zedillo has
become the first Mexican president to address the California Legislature,
a visit officials on both sides of the border said marked the
start of a new era of goodwill.
``This moment represents a profound shift in our relationship from uneasy neighbors to unwavering partners,'' Gov. Gray Davis told lawmakers gathered in the Assembly chambers Tuesday.
``We have to start a new era where ties between Mexico and California will be distinguished by unwavering goodwill and dialogue, understanding and cooperation,'' Zedillo told them in Spanish through a translator.
In a 20-minute speech, Zedillo sought to reassure Californians that his country is rebuilding its economy, strengthening democracy, reforming its judicial system and cleaning up its environment.
He acknowledged that poverty in Mexico, which has driven countless Mexicans to California and led to immigration disputes, is his nation's biggest challenge, but said he is fighting the problem.
``Mexico is on the right path,'' he said.
Meanwhile outside the Capitol, dozens protested human rights abuses in Chiapas and alleged U.S. weapons sales to Mexico and demanded absentee voting rights for Mexicans living abroad.
Zedillo's three-day trip to California reciprocates for a trip Davis took to Mexico City in February.
While Mexico-California trade has soared this decade, official relations have withered as California voters approved ballot measures meant to curb illegal immigration and dismantle state affirmative action.
Mexican distrust of California grew with the 1994 passage of Proposition 187, which sought to bar illegal immigrants from receiving most state services, including education.
Davis opposes the initiative, but rather than drop the appeal when he had the chance last month, he sent the matter to a federal mediator.
Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, who publicly denounced Davis' decision, said California and Mexico are ringing in ``a new spirit of goodwill.''
``The days of looking toward Mexico and seeing only problems are over,'' Bustamante said.
``We have turned a corner, we have closed a door, on a sad chapter in our history as a state,'' Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa said in an emotional speech to lawmakers before Zedillo's appearance.
Villaraigosa and Bustamante are of Mexican descent. Both delivered portions of their speeches in Spanish and said later they did it to pay respect to a new order on the border.
The day was heavy with symbols of mutual respect. The Mexican flag appeared frequently, draped on the Capitol, waved by children greeting the leaders, posted in rooms where Zedillo spoke.
The symbolism came with some substance. Davis and Zedillo announced programs that will accelerate response to hazard materials emergencies along the border, control agricultural pests and develop an Internet link between universities in California and Mexico to enhance research.
Many of the same sentiments were echoed later in Zedillo's remarks to the Commonwealth Club and the World Affairs Council in San Francisco.
His half-hour speech was punctuated by applause and shouts of ``Viva Mexico'' from the crowd of about 800 people.
``Of course we have many problems,'' Zedillo said. ``We have to talk about migration. We have to talk about the everyday problems at our common border. We have to talk about security problems. We have to talk about so many issues.''
Zedillo emphasized those problems could be solved only if California and Mexico work together.
Return
to Frontpage