U.S. withholds aid to Mexico

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Allegations of human rights abuses by Mexican soldiers in the country's battle against drug cartels has cost Mexico $26 million in U.S. aid, officials say.

The U.S. State Department announced the action Friday, The Arizona Republic reported. The department said the money would be cut from an upcoming $175 million payment of aid for anti-drug initiatives.

The sanction is the first since the two countries launched the Merida Initiative in 2008. The partnership includes more than $1 billion in U.S. aid.

State Department spokesman Harry Edwards said the United States is encouraging Mexico to use civilian courts for soldiers accused of abuses in anti-drug efforts. The Obama administration also wants Mexico to adopt new laws on human rights and to encourage civilian input on strategy.

There were 1,833 complaints of abuse by the military in 2009, up from 206 three years earlier. The National Human Rights Commission confirmed no "grave violations" in 2006 and 30 in 2009.