Mexican President Says He Is Suspending Relations with the US and Canadian Embassies

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador did not elaborate on what he meant by “pause,” which is not a term used in formal diplomatic protocols.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador speaks during a press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City on August 23. Photo: AFP

The proposed judicial reform, put forward by the Mexican president in his final weeks in office, includes a provision for judges to be directly elected – a move that has raised concerns that it will put politically biased judges with little experience on the court. The reform has prompted major protests and strikes, as well as widespread criticism from investors and financial institutions.

Last week, US Ambassador Ken Salazar called the proposal a “risk” to democracy and jeopardized Mexico’s trade relationship with the US. Mr. López Obrador criticized the US ambassador, saying he had violated Mexico’s sovereignty .

During a press conference on the morning of August 27, President López Obrador said he believed the harsh comments did not come from Ambassador Salazar but from the US State Department.

"We're not going to tell him (Salazar) to leave the country. I hope they promise to respect the independence of Mexico, the sovereignty of our country. But until that happens, and they continue these policies, it (the relationship with the US Embassy) will be on hold," he said.

Mr. López Obrador also accused Canada of meddling in internal affairs when expressing concern about the proposal. The United States, Canada, and Mexico share a significant trade relationship that is expected to reach an estimated $1.8 trillion in trade by 2022. So far, there are no clear signs that the tensions are affecting the longstanding economic and diplomatic ties between the three countries.

Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena has expressed support for President López Obrador in criticizing the US and Canada's "interventionist" policies. However, she also added that the trilateral relationship is a "priority" and that the relationship remains "normal."

This is not the first time the Mexican head of state has used the phrase "pause." In 2022, Mr. López Obrador announced a diplomatic pause with Spain over a dispute with energy companies. At the time, he said the pause was "not a break in relations" with Spain, but "an expression of respect and friendship against the abuses and grievances against the Mexican people and our country."

Ngoc Anh (according to AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tong-thong-mexico-noi-tam-dung-quan-he-voi-cac-dai-su-quan-cua-my-va-canada-post309606.html