Mexico accepts Peace Corps aid | Arizona Republic

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Mexico accepts Peace Corps aid
Service will be doing research

Mark Stevenson
Associated Press
Jan. 26, 2004 12:00 AM

MEXICO CITY - Mexico has broken a decades-old tradition of rejecting U.S. aid workers, granting permission for the first group of U.S. Peace Corps volunteers ever to work here.

Mindful of national sensitivity over American influence, though, the government plans to keep the group out of public view.

Still, for a country that has kicked out or criticized U.S. experts in the past (and for one touchy about being viewed as underdeveloped) it's a big change.

The first 15 volunteers, scheduled to arrive this summer, won't be performing the Peace Corps' usual tasks in construction, rural schools, clinics or farmer training. They will be tucked away in research centers to work on information technology, science and business development.

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