Clinton sorry they couldn't tell Mexico about money-laundering sting

President Clinton has expressed regret that it was not possible to inform the Mexican government in advance about a US investigation that uncovered a huge drugs money-laundering network involving Mexican bank officials.

A White House spokesman said President Clinton made the comments in a telephone conversation with President Ernesto Zedillo last week.

The Mexican government has protested that American undercover agents illegally crossed into Mexico, and the foreign minister, Rosario Green, has said they may seek the agents' extradition to try them for the violation of Mexican laws and international agreements.

Washington has denied the charges.

Correspondents say Mexico's anti-drugs operations are often infiltrated by traffickers.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service