Mexico cuts ties with US embassy over comments on justice reform

(RAY BOGAN)

Mexico is currently unhappy with the United States.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has announced he is suspending ties with the U.S. Embassy after Ambassador Ken Salazar issued a statement saying the country’s proposed judicial reforms pose a “risk” to democracy.

Andrés Manuel López Obrador, President of Mexico: “How are we going to allow the ambassador, with all due respect, this is not a question of quarrel, of hostility, but how are we going to allow him to express his opinion that what we are doing is wrong?”

Mexico’s Congress will debate the reforms on Sunday. If approved, they would see some 7,000 judges in the country, including the Supreme Court, elected by popular vote. It would also reduce the size of the Supreme Court and lower its age and experience requirements.

Salazar said in his statement – Based on my lifelong experience in supporting the rule of law, I believe that direct popular election of judges poses a great risk to the functioning of Mexican democracy. Any judicial reform should have the right kinds of safeguards that ensure that the judiciary is strengthened and not subject to the corruption of politics.”

After the recess was announced, the embassy said it respects Mexico’s sovereignty but still has concerns about the popular election of judges.

Obrador said Salazar does not need to leave the country and said the US State Department stands behind his public statements.

(Andrés Manuel López Obrador)

“Pausing means we give ourselves some time and hopefully the US State Department… because it’s not him (Ken Salazar).”

(RAY BOGAN)

This isn’t even the first time this month that Obrador has voiced disapproval of the United States. Just two weeks ago, he said he agreed with the Mexican attorney general’s decision to open an investigation into the arrest of drug lord Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada by U.S. authorities.

Zambada was arrested with Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the son of El Chapo, after their plane landed in New Mexico. Guzman would have wanted to report oneselfwhile Zambada said he was taken against his will.

The Office of the Mexican Attorney General announced that it is considering charging Guzman and anyone else who assisted in the transfer of “El Mayo.” The charges include “illegal flight, illegal use of airports, immigration and customs violations, kidnapping, treason, and any other crimes that may apply.”

Obrador says he opposes US intervention in Mexico.

(Andrés Manuel López Obrador)

“Why don’t they change that policy in the United States? Why do they think that arresting one famous drug lord — or two, or three, or ten — is going to solve their (drug abuse) problem?

(RAY BOGAN)

Obrador said Zambada’s arrest could be part of a plot to smear him and his political party. He also has a hugs-not-bullets policy in the fight against drug cartels.

I’m Ray Bogan for Straight Arrow News. For more objective reporting, download the Straight Arrow News app and turn on notifications.