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Mexican president makes first visit to Guerrero since 43 students disappeared Sept. 26

Associated Press
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Mexican federal police stand guard in the main seaside avenue of Acapuclo in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, Thursday Dec. 4, 2014, ahead of the arrival of Mexico President Enrique Pena Nieto. Under very heavy security, President Pena Nieto visited the tumultuous southern state of Guerrero for the first time since 43 college students disappeared there more than two months ago, provoking the greatest crisis of his presidency. (AP Photo/Bernandino Hernandez) (The Associated Press)

Police and army guard the newly built Coyuca bridge near the town of Coyuca de Benitez in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, Thursday Dec. 4, 2014, ahead of the arrival of Mexico President Enrique Pena Nieto. Under very heavy security, President Pena Nieto visited the tumultuous southern state of Guerrero for the first time since 43 college students disappeared there more than two months ago, provoking the greatest crisis of his presidency. (AP Photo/Bernandino Hernandez) (The Associated Press)

Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto, left, speaks to the audience in the town of Coyuca de Benitez in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, Thursday Dec. 4, 2014. Under very heavy security, President Pena Nieto visited the tumultuous southern state of Guerrero for the first time since 43 college students disappeared there more than two months ago, provoking the greatest crisis of his presidency. (AP Photo/Bernandino Hernandez) (The Associated Press)

President Enrique Pena Nieto has visited the tumultuous southern state of Guerrero for the first time since 43 college students disappeared there more than two months ago, provoking the greatest crisis of his presidency.

Pena Nieto travelled to the beach resort of Acapulco on Thursday to announce a plan to spur economic growth one day after the government said federal police and soldiers would take over policing duties in 30 cities, including some in Guerrero.

Pena Nieto called for Mexico to overcome "this painful period." It was set off when police in the city of Iguala intercepted the students and allegedly turned the students over to members of the Guerreros Unidos gang, who subsequently killed them and burned their bodies.

The disappearances have ignited weeks of protests, including in Acapulco.