Grupo Salinas and Fundacion Azteca America Co-Sponsor Forum on Public Security With the Center for Latin American Studies and the Americas Initiative at Georgetown University

Grupo Salinas and Fundacion Azteca America Co-Sponsor Forum on Public Security With the Center for Latin American Studies and the Americas Initiative at Georgetown University

The Forum, Entitled 'Law, Justice, and Public Security: Challenges for Mexico and Its Neighbors' Brings Together Top Policy Experts From Both Sides of the Border

Keynote Addresses by Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Arturo Valenzuela and Mexican Ambassador to the United States Arturo Sarukhan

WASHINGTON, March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Salinas and Fundacion Azteca America are pleased to co-sponsor with the Center for Latin American Studies and the Americas Initiative at Georgetown University a special forum entitled: "Law, Justice, and Public Security: Challenges for Mexico and Its Neighbors." The event, organized with support from Georgetown's Government Department, the Georgetown Institute of Global History, the Mortara Center for International Affairs, and the Center for Peace and Security Studies brings together top policy experts from both sides of the border.

Following welcoming remarks by Prof. Erick Langer, Interim Director, Center for Latin American Studies; Dr. Chester Gillis, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences and Dr. Carol Lancaster, Interim Dean, School of Foreign Service, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Arturo Valenzuela gave the first keynote address, entitled "New Directions for US Security Policy in the Western Hemisphere."

For a historical perspective, the first panel presentation was entitled "Law, Justice, and Crime before the Contemporary Challenges," moderated by Katherine Bliss, CSIS and Georgetown University. Participants included: Prof. Brian Owensby, University of Virginia; Prof. John Tutino, Georgetown and Prof. Pablo Piccato, Columbia University.

The following panel presentation was entitled "Public Insecurity and Daily Life in Mexico," moderated by Daniel Sabet, Georgetown University. Participants included: Dr. Arturo Arango, Instituto Estatal de Seguridad Publica del Estado de Nuevo Leon; Prof. Marcelo Bergman, CIDE, Woodrow Wilson Center and Ana Franco, President, Mexico Unido Contra la Delincuencia.

The next panel presentation was "Threats Posed by Drug-trafficking Organizations," moderated by Margaret Daly Hayes, Georgetown University, with Juan Carlos Garzon, OAS as a discussant. Participants included Jose Diaz Briseno, Washington Correspondent, Reforma daily newspaper and Dr. Samuel Gonzalez Ruiz, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico.

The following panel presentation was entitled "Prospects for State Reforms to Promote Rule of Law," moderated by Marc Chernick, Georgetown University, with discussant Dr. Andrew Selee, Woodrow Wilson Center. Participants were: Prof. David Shirk, University of San Diego and Prof. John Bailey, Georgetown University.

The final keynote address was presented by Mexican Ambassador to the United States Arturo Sarukhan, entitled "Beyond Merida: Next Steps in Mexico- US Relations."

"We need much more of this type of open binational debate on security policy, because it is one of the most crucial issues facing our communities today in both Mexico and the United States," said Luis J. Echarte, Chairman of Fundacion Azteca America and Azteca America Network. "Congratulations go out to the hosts and organizers of this magnificent event."

"The problem of public security, which has risen in significance in Mexico and in the bilateral relationship with Mexico, presents a series of challenges to the academic communities in both countries. One problem is accurate information. What are the 'real' trends in criminality? We struggle to get good data. The related problem is: what works to reduce criminality? We don't have clear 'recipes,'" said Prof. John Bailey, Director of the Mexico Project at the Center for Latin American Studies. "For these reasons Georgetown University, as part of its program in public security and justice reform, has invited distinguished scholars and civil society leaders, to advance our knowledge and capacity to provide policy advice. We want to thank the leadership and commitment of Grupo Salinas in helping to advance this goal."

The forum is part of a series of conferences addressing Latino issues. Grupo Salinas and Fundacion Azteca America will also be co-sponsoring with Georgetown an upcoming event on April 29 focused on immigration that will include opening remarks by Grupo Salinas Founder and Chairman Ricardo B. Salinas Pliego.

About Fundacion Azteca America

Fundacion Azteca America is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for members of the Hispanic community currently in the U.S. Fundacion Azteca America, Fundacion Azteca, Azteca America and TV Azteca are companies of Mexican conglomerate Grupo Salinas. For more information, visit www.fundacionaztecaamerica.org.

About Azteca America

Azteca America is the alternative choice in broadcast television for Spanish speaking families residing in the United States. As the fastest- growing Spanish-language network, Azteca America operates in 66 markets nationwide. Azteca America can also be seen on DIRECTV Mas Channel 441 (AZA 441) and DISH Network Channel 825. Wholly owned by Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V., Azteca America has access to the best programming from TV Azteca's three national networks, including a library with over 200,000 hours of original programming and news from local bureaus in 32 Mexican states. The network complements Mexican programming with an innovative line-up of shows from international producers and distributors to ensure the finest programming for Spanish-speaking viewers and unique advertising solutions for partners seeking to reach the most dynamic market in the country.

About Grupo Salinas

Grupo Salinas (www.gruposalinas.com) is a group of dynamic, fast-growing and technologically advanced companies focused on creating shareholder value, contributing to building the middle class of the countries where it operates, and improving society through excellence. Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas (www.ricardosalinas.com), Grupo Salinas operates as a management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member companies TV Azteca (www.irtvazteca.com), Azteca America (www.aztecaamerica.com), Grupo Elektra (www.grupoelektra.com.mx), Banco Azteca (www.bancoazteca.com.mx), Afore Azteca (www.aforeazteca.com.mx), Seguros Azteca (www.segurosazteca.com.mx), and Grupo Iusacell (www.iusacell.com). Each of the Grupo Salinas companies operates independently with its own management, board of directors and shareholders. Grupo Salinas has no equity holdings. However, member companies share a common vision, values and strategies for achieving rapid growth, superior results and world-class performance.

Grupo Salinas Media Contact:
Daniel McCosh
011 52 55 1720 0059
dmccosh@gruposalinas.com

SOURCE Grupo Salinas; Fundacion Azteca America; Georgetown University; Center for Latin American Studies

Source: Grupo Salinas; Fundacion Azteca America; Georgetown University; Center
for Latin American Studies

CONTACT: Daniel McCosh of Grupo Salinas, +011-52-55-1720-0059,
dmccosh@gruposalinas.com

Web site: http://www.aztecaamerica.com/

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