Mexican president backs Canada vs. U.S.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Mexican President Vicente Fox backs Canada in a dispute with the United States over tariffs on softwood lumber.

During an appearance with Prime Minister Paul Martin in Vancouver, Fox said the United States should obey a North American Free Trade Agreement panel ruling that the tariffs on Canadian lumber are illegal, the Toronto Globe and Mail reported.

"As we look forward, we must strengthen NAFTA's institutions and procedures," Fox said.

He said the three partners in NAFTA will only get the full benefit when all three honor their commitments promptly.

Martin said Fox's support should be helpful on the softwood lumber dispute in his next telephone call with President Bush.