Mexican president seeks world’s help in his anti-crime fight

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Mexican President Felipe Calderon has asked the United Nations for help in combating the lack of security in his country.

The plea comes after two grenade explosions in Morelia, Michoacan, last week killed eight people and injured hundreds. The government is blaming organized crime networks for the attacks.

Meanwhile, a wave of kidnappings around the country prompted tens of thousands of Mexicans to take to the streets last month to demand action from the government.

‘Mexico reiterates its call to all nations to find new ways to confront this threat; the eradication of this scourge is at the center of Mexico’s national security policy and our international agenda,’ said Calderon this morning in New York, addressing the United Nations General Assembly.

You can read Calderon’s full speech, in both Spanish and English here.

Click here for more on Mexico and go here to see our special report on the country’s drug problems, Mexico Under Siege.

--Deborah Bonello in Mexico City