Merida Initiative
This multi-year program demonstrates the United States' commitment to work in partnership with governments in Mexico, the nations of Central America, the Dominican Republic and Haiti to confront criminal organizations whose illicit actions undermine public safety, erode the rule of law, and threaten the national security of the United States.
The Merida Initiative will provide equipment and training in support of law enforcement operations and technical assistance to promote the long-term reform, oversight and professionalization of our partners' security agencies. In 2008, Congress approved an initial $400 million for Mexico and $65 million for Central America, the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Fact Sheets on The Merida Initiative
The multi-year Merida Initiative will provide equipment and training to support law enforcement operations and technical assistance for long-term reform and oversight of security agencies. The initiative complements broader efforts by Mexico, the Central American nations, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic to fight criminal organizations and drug trafficking. Full Text | Myths Vs. Facts
Travel to Mexico
Secretary Clinton (Mar. 25): "Under the Merida Initiative, a program conceived by Mexico and embraced by the United States, we have now committed hundreds of millions of dollars to training and equipping Mexican law enforcement, and strengthening Mexico’s judicial system and democratic institutions." Full Text | More Trip Information
Agreement With Dominican Republic
The U.S. and the Dominican Republic signed the first letter of agreement implementing the Merida Initiative, a multi-year regional effort to combat organized crime, gangs and the trafficking of narcotics and firearms. Full Text
Letter of Agreement Signed with Costa Rica![Date: 06/17/2009 Description: Ambassador Peter Cianchette [signing]; Foreign Minister Stagno [seated at left]; Justice Minister Viviana Martin [standing, middle]. © State Dept Image](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090825092341im_/http://www.state.gov/img/09/32884/Merida_CR_signing_68_1.jpg "Date: 06/17/2009 Description: Ambassador Peter Cianchette [signing]; Foreign Minister Stagno [seated at left]; Justice Minister Viviana Martin [standing, middle]. © State Dept Image"){kind=small}
U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica Peter Cianchette and Minister of Public Security Janina del Vecchio signed on June 17, the first letter of agreement between the United States and the Government of Costa Rica implementing the Mérida Initiative. Full Text | Photos
Letter of Agreement with Nicaragua Signed
U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua Robert J. Callahan signed an agreement with the Government of Nicaragua implementing the Merida Initiative. Full Text
Mexican Corrections Instructors Graduate from New Mexico Training Academy
As part of the Merida Initiative, the Department of State’s Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs is assisting the Government of Mexico with establishing the corrections academy which is scheduled to be officially opened in late June 2009. Full Text
The Merida Initiative
INL Assistant Secretary Johnson delivered remarks before the Tucson Committee on Foreign Relations. Full Text
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