Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Mexico on Tuesday in a display of support for the Mexican government’s military campaign against drug cartels. Clinton acknowledged US demand helps fuel Mexico’s drug trade and vowed continued backing of the Mexican government.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: “The narcotics cartels are waging war on civil society. This violence shreds communities, it holds back economic development, and it undermines progress. So yes, we accept our share of the responsibility. As I said when I first came here a year ago, I think standing right here on this stage, the United States is your partner and your supporter.”

Clinton says the Obama administration is preparing to unveil a new drug policy that will include strategies for reducing US drug demand. A new $331 million plan will also increase funding for Mexican community programs. But the Obama administration has also vowed to continue military cooperation with Mexico despite an increase in human rights abuses. To underscore the US military commitment, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, accompanied Clinton’s delegation. The State Department has meanwhile announced plans to open a joint US-Mexico command center in Mexico City.