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U.S. ambassador to Mexico quits

WASHINGTON, March 20 (UPI) -- The U.S. ambassador to Mexico has resigned because of comments he made in leaked diplomatic cables criticizing Mexico's war against drugs, officials said.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Saturday night said she accepted the resignation of Carlos Pascual "with great regret," the Washington Post reported.

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In diplomatic cables released by Wikileaks, Pascual called Mexico's army "risk averse" in dealing with drug traffickers.

"Carlos has relayed his decision to return to Washington based upon his personal desire to ensure the strong relationship between our two countries and to avert issues raised by President (Felipe) Calderon that could distract from the important business of advancing our bilateral interests," Clinton said.

Calderon said the leaked cables caused "serious damage" to the U.S.-Mexico relationship, the Los Angeles Times said.

In one cable, Pascual described the "bleak" political prospects of Calderon's National Action Party in next year's presidential election.

The Post said Pascual was the first high-ranking U.S. diplomat to lose his job over the leaked cables.

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