Ashcroft to sign anti-corruption treaty in Mexico City

[Whoa_Nelly]

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Attorney General John Ashcroft is heading to Mexico City where he will join leaders of several other nations Tuesday in signing the first worldwide treaty to combat public corruption such as embezzlement, money laundering and bribery.

Ashcroft leads a delegation of officials from the Departments of Treasury, State and Justice who will salute the signing of a long-sought treaty that goes into force with the signatures of 30 U.N. member states.

Mexican President Vincente Fox had pressed hard to host the treaty ceremony, hoping to demonstrate Mexico's commitment to preventing and prosecuting official corruption, U.S. law enforcement officials said.

<snip>
While the treaty binds the United States and other nations to provide mutual legal assistance, extradition and asset recovery, U.S. officials said it allows flexibility and the United States does not have to comply in a case where assistance would offend the "essential interests" of the U.S. government, officials said.

more...
http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/12/09/ashcroft.corruption.mexico/

[Don Claybrook]

1. In other words

When the embezzlement, money laundering, bribery, or extortion emanates from the Bush Administration, as is usually the case, we can opt out.

This is along the same lines as the US being "immune" from the war crimes treaty, just in case we need to brutalize various parts of the world without anyone else having legal recourse.

So, John Ashcroft, how's that Leak Gate investigation coming?

[pinto]

4. and the Rep Smith/Medicare vote bribe?

[Just Me]

2. US Corp. corruption still okay,...

HENCE:

",...the United States does not have to comply in a case where assistance would offend the "essential interests" of the U.S.,..."

FIGURES!!! buSH*T!!!

[Soloflecks]

3. That friggin' hypocrit

and the rest of his ilk make a mockery of every honest effort at improvement of any kind! We only show up at these affairs in order to block any chance of the US having to subject itself to the rules.