By Deutsche Welle
The United States and Canada reacted on Wednesday to the Mexican government’s decision to pause diplomatic relations amid a controversy surrounding the controversial judicial reform promoted by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
The Biden administration expressed its support for its ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, saying that he shares “his concerns” about the reform.
“As partners and friends, we share our concerns about the proposed constitutional reforms,” wrote Brian Nichols, head of US diplomacy for Latin America, on the social network X.
The controversial reform, which will be addressed in the legislative session that begins on September 1, includes the proposal that judges and magistrates be elected by popular vote.
US assures “respect for Mexican sovereignty”
Days ago, Salazar said that the reform “threatens” the commercial relationship between both countries and is a “risk” for Mexican democracy.
These statements led López Obrador to send his protest against the ambassador’s “interventionist statement” and to put “on hold” on Tuesday his relationship with Salazar and with the Canadian embassy, which is also highly critical of Mexico’s plans.
“Salazar and I share a deep respect for Mexico’s sovereignty,” Nichols replied. “We always work with the utmost respect for Mexico’s sovereignty,” Salazar said in a message posted Tuesday on X.
Mexico is the United States’ main trading partner and both countries, along with Canada, are members of the North American Free Trade Agreement (T-MEC).
Canada “does not want to intervene” but there is “concern”
For its part, Canada, through an official spokesperson, assured that it has no intention of interfering in Mexico’s internal politics, but clarified that Canadian investors have expressed their concern about the constitutional reforms proposed by the Mexican government.
A Canadian Foreign Ministry spokesman told Efe that his government “fully respects Mexican sovereignty and has no intention of intervening in Mexico’s internal affairs.”
“Canada deeply values its relationship with Mexico, a key ally, neighbour and friend,” added the spokesperson, who noted that Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly recently concluded a “successful” bilateral visit to the Latin American country.
On Wednesday, López Obrador expanded on his remarks by pointing out that the relationship continues” with the governments of the United States and Canada despite the “pause” of relations with the embassies.
“The relationship with the governments continues, with Canada and the United States, it is only with the embassies and, especially, with the ambassador of Canada and the United States because it is not their place to give opinions on matters that only concern Mexicans, it is a matter of respect for our country,” declared the president.
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