U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton visited Mexico on Monday to voice support for Mexican President Felipe Calderón’s efforts on combating powerful drug cartels. Clinton acknowledged human rights abuses in Mexico’s drug war but said Calderón’s government has improved its record.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton: “And I think that what Mexican law enforcement is doing to both reform at the same time that they take on the drug traffickers is essential and a commitment that we stand ready to help them carry out. And I also believe that the very successful efforts by the Mexican military deserve support as well, and we have offered any support that they would be interested in pursuing.”

More than 30,000 people have died since Calderón launched military operations against the drug cartels four years ago.