GUADALAJARA , Mexico -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- President Obama said Monday the United States remains Mexico 's partner in the fight against drug cartels , despite some calls in the United States to delay counter-narcotics aid because of alleged human rights violations by Mexican soldiers . President Obama speaks at a news conference in Guadalajara , Mexico , on Monday . Mexican President Felipe Calderon reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and human rights in his offensive against the cartels , Obama said . Some $ 100 million in anti-drug aid , known as the Merida Initiative , could be delayed because of concerns about human rights violations , it was reported last week . `` We have been very supportive of the Merida Initiative , and we remain supportive , '' Obama said . Obama also said the United States would work to reduce demand for drugs and stop the illegal flow of weapons south to Mexico . The remarks came at a summit of North American leaders in Guadalajara , Mexico . Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper also expressed support for Mexico 's strategy , saying that the drug cartels were a problem shared by all three countries . Turning to immigration , Obama said he is committed to `` fix the broken immigration system . '' The three North American countries depend on their borders being safe and secure , Obama said , adding that he supports `` orderly and legal '' migration , while respecting the American tradition of welcoming immigrants . He also responded to critics who say that the United States has not been forceful enough in demanding the return of ousted Honduran President Jose Manuel Zelaya to power , calling them hypocritical . `` The same critics who say that the United States has not intervened enough in Honduras , are the same people who say that we 're always intervening and that Yankees need to get out of Latin America . You ca n't have it both ways , '' Obama said . `` We have been very clear in our belief that President Zelaya was removed from office illegally , that it was a coup , and that he should return , '' Obama said . The United Nations and Organization of American States , including the United States , have called for Zelaya 's return , but more than one month later , the interim government of Roberto Micheletti remains firm and talks between the two sides have so far been unsuccessful . Harper agreed with Obama 's stance . The United States has very clearly stated its position while letting a multilateral process take the lead , he said . `` That 's precisely what we want to see from the United States , '' Harper said . Turning to trade , Obama said a `` Buy American '' provision in his economic stimulus plan had little effect so far on the multibillion-dollar trade partnership with Canada . Obama told journalists that Harper has raised the issue every time they have met . Harper has complained the `` Buy American '' provision is protectionist and could harm trade relations between the closely linked North American economies . `` This in no way this has endangered the billions of dollars of trade taking place between our two countries , '' Obama said , standing beside Harper and Calderon at a final news conference . Harper responded to the same question by saying the leaders had a good discussion on the issue , and their respective trade ministers also were talking about it . Canada is the top trade partner of the United States , with cross-border commerce worth more than $ 1 billion a day . The $ 787-billion stimulus package enacted in February included a provision that only American goods be used in stimulus projects . It also stipulated that the measure would not override existing U.S. trade treaties such as the North American Free Trade Agreement . Obama also talked about comparisons between the U.S. and Canadian health care systems , saying Canada 's government-run health care model wo n't work in the United States . `` We 've got to develop a uniquely American approach to this problem , '' he said . Opponents of health care legislation in the U.S. House and Senate say it will lead to a single-payer system like the government-run program in Canada , with some warning the Canadian system means restrictions on treatments and long delays . Obama noted the U.S. system is based on employers providing health insurance for most Americans . Throwing that out would be too radical an overhaul , he said . However , he said he expects opponents of health care legislation to continue to make what he called the misleading comparison between proposed U.S. legislation and Canada 's system . `` I suspect that you Canadians are going to continue to get dragged into the debate , '' he said .