DATE=05/04/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH/MEXICO (S)

NUMBER=2-289424

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush says the United States and Mexico are working together to expand trade and democracy in the Western Hemisphere. V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports, Mr. Bush used his weekly radio address to commemorate Cinco de Mayo, a holiday marking the anniversary of a key battle for Mexican independence.

TEXT: President Bush says Mexico's 1862 victory over French troops continues to inspire liberty-loving people around the world.

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It reminds us that the cost of freedom is always high, but it is never too high. Brave and determined people, committed to a great cause, can do great good. That was true 140 years ago, and it remains true today.

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Mr. Bush says Americans are grateful for Mexico's support in the war against terrorism. He says he is working with Mexican President Vicente Fox to boost cross-border trade, improve immigration procedures, and create a hemisphere that he says "lives in liberty and trades in freedom."

Republicans are courting Hispanic voters ahead of the November elections. The president's weekly address is always rebroadcast in a Spanish translation. Saturday, it was Mr. Bush who read parts of the speech in Spanish, reminding voters that he is asking Congress to extend a law allowing families to stay together while they are waiting for residency. (SIGNED)

NEB/SKS/TW