Mexican attorney general resigns

Mr Medina Mora says he has made progress in fighting drug cartels

Mexican President Felipe Calderon has accepted the resignation of his attorney general who has been key in the battle against drug cartels.

No reason was given for Eduardo Medina Mora's departure, but the president thanked him for his "brave work".

More than 13,000 people have been killed since the government ordered the military to take the offensive against the drug gangs in 2006.

Mr Medina Mora said the strategy had been right and had produced results.

Those close to the attorney general say he had been looking to step down from what is perhaps the most difficult and dangerous job in Mexico's government for some time.

'Progress made'

Currently 45,000 troops are deployed in an attempt to defeat the cartels that make billions trafficking cocaine and other drugs to the US.

"The strategy for recovering the public's security and the tactic of changing the way things were have been correct," Mr Medina Mora said.

His professionalism, his commitment and loyalty to Mexico have been crucial in...hitting hard organised crime... Felipe Calderon Mexican President

"Progress has unquestionably been made.

"The historic decision to use all the power of the state to put a stop to the power of the criminal organisations was fundamental to ensure our future as a nation.

"History will have to recognise the correctness and valour of this decision."

President Calderon paid tribute to Mr Medina Mora:

"His professionalism, his commitment and loyalty to Mexico have been crucial in pushing forward the modernisation and the cleaning of the justice department and in hitting hard organised crime like we have done."

The proposed replacement for Mr Medina Mora is a relatively unknown prosecutor, Arturo Chavez.

President Calderon also announced that the head of the state oil company Pemex is being replaced.

The BBC correspondent in Mexico City Steven Gibbs said the fight against drug cartels and the modernisation of the country's state run oil company are the two key policies which Mr Calderon has championed.

Our correspondent said that half way through the president's six year administration, with his opponents questioning what progress has been made, Mr Calderon is seeking fresh impetus in both areas.