(10 Mar 2003)
1. Wide shot Mexican President Vicente Fox
2. Cutaway of audience
3. Wide shot of Fox
4. Mid shot of Fox
5. SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Vicente Fox Quesada, Mexican President:
"Today Mexico is immersed in a complicated international situation with few benefits for the world economy. There is a serious threat of war and the recovery of the world economy will affect us as well. In order to avoid the negative effects of the outside world we have to work firmly together, clearly coordinated and permanently in communication."
6. Wide shot pan of room
7. SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Vicente Fox Quesada, Mexican President:
"The national interest comes ahead of the interest of whatever group. We can't lose the fight - Mexico is first and anything else is secondary. In front of the exterior challenges we face, this is the best moment to unite, the best moment to be partners. Only this way can we progress, only this way can we construct a great future. Today is the day to consolidate national unity. Today is the day to show our best."
8. Mid shot of woman
9. Close up of farmers in audience
10. Wide shot of meeting
STORYLINE:
Mexico's President Vicente Fox called for national unity in the face of the challenges presented to the world community by a possible war in Iraq.
Speaking at a meeting of sugarcane workers on Monday, Fox said the war would have serious negative effects on the recovery of the world economy.
He added that his government would continue to maintain its independent position on the issue.
Mexico has been calling for some time for a multilateral solution to the Iraq crisis, against the wishes of its northern neighbour and major trading partner the US.
Mexico and Chile were pushing other UN Security Council members for a last-minute compromise proposal on Iraqi disarmament, according to officials from the two countries on Monday.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a close aide to Chilean President Ricardo Lagos said his country is not prepared to support the US backed resolution the way it is written.
He added that the government thinks a clearer detail of what is demanded from Iraq "a sort of checklist" should be put together.
US and British officials are lobbying council members to vote in favour of a resolution giving Saddam Hussein a March 17 deadline to disarm or face war.
In frequent calls to world leaders, Fox has been looking for more flexibility from both pro and anti-war sides to avoid a split in the UN Security Council.
Should such a split occur, Mexico and Chile still have not defined which side they will vote for.
Fox's biggest challenge is avoiding the appearance that he has in any way bowed to US pressure to support a pro-war resolution in the Security Council.
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