Mexico's president refuses to address congress in face of mounting protests

MEXICO CITY — President Vicente Fox turned in a written copy of his annual state-of-the nation report Friday, but refused to address a Congress occupied by leftist lawmakers who demanded he withdraw heavy security surrounding the building. It was the first time in history a Mexican president hasn't given the annual address.

Fox's office said he would address the nation in a televised speech later Friday. The written copy of his address called on Mexico to mend deep divisions that he said threatened the country's newfound democracy.

"Whoever attacks our laws and institutions also attacks our history and Mexico," he said, a veiled reference to leftist presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. "No one can say that he supports the people when he attacks it."

The opposition lawmakers waved Mexican flags and held placards calling the Mexican leader a traitor to democracy. They ignored demands that they return to their seats, shouting "Vote by Vote" — a rallying cry for Lopez Obrador's bid for a full recount in the July 2 election.