Mexico hails doctor's release

Los Angeles - There was jubilation in Mexico yesterday following the acquittal of a Mexican doctor who was abducted by US authorities to face charges over the murder of an undercover US drugs agent, writes Phil Reeves.

Mexico said the release of Humberto Alvarez Machain by a judge in Los Angeles would improve cross-border relations as the North American Free Trade Agreement is to be signed. The doctor's kidnapping in 1990 caused an international outcry because it was seen as an invasion of Mexico's sovereignty. But the US Supreme Court said the abduction did not violate the extradition treaty between the US and Mexico. Dr Alvarez was freed because of a lack of evidence against him.