Mexico criticises US border plans

President Calderon is meeting both US and Mexican governors

Mexican President Felipe Calderon has told governors from US border states that illegal immigration cannot be resolved by erecting walls.

He urged the governors of Arizona, Texas, California and New Mexico not to tolerate the persecution of migrants.

Immigration and border security are among the top issues at a meeting of US and Mexican governors.

On Monday Washington announced new plans for a 370-mile fence (600 km) and 200 miles (320) km of vehicle barriers.

The fencing is part of a barrier the US government says must be built to slow illegal immigration along the 1,200-mile (1,920km) border with Mexico.

The new plans are not on the official agenda of the meeting at Puerto Penasco, Mexico.

But correspondents say they were likely to dominate informal talks at the Border Governors Association.

Mr Calderon urged the US to respect "the right to work wherever one can make the greatest contribution".

US Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and the Mexican multi-billionaire businessman, Carlos Slim, are also expected to attend the talks.