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

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador did not elaborate further on the meaning of the "pause." This is not a term used in official diplomatic protocol.

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

The proposed judicial reforms, put forward by the Mexican president in his final weeks in office, included provisions for judges to be directly elected – raising concerns that this would bring politically biased and inexperienced judges into the courts. These reform proposals sparked large-scale protests and strikes, and drew widespread criticism from investors and financial institutions.

Last week, U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar called the proposal a "risk" to democracy and jeopardized Mexico's trade relationship with the U.S. López Obrador criticized the U.S. Ambassador, saying he had violated Mexico's sovereignty .

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

"We are not going to tell him (Salazar) to leave the country. I hope they promise to respect Mexico's independence and our country's sovereignty. But until that happens, and they continue these policies, then it (the relationship with the U.S. Embassy) will be suspended," he said.

López Obrador also accused Canada of interfering in internal affairs when expressing concerns about the proposal. The U.S., Canada, and Mexico share a vital trade relationship, with estimated trade value reaching $1.8 trillion in 2022. To date, there have been no clear signs that tensions are affecting the long-standing economic and diplomatic ties between the three countries.

Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena expressed support for President López Obrador in his criticism of the "interference" policies of the United States and Canada. However, she added that the trilateral relationship is a "priority" and that the relationship continues "normally".

This is not the first time the Mexican head of state has used the phrase "suspension." In 2022, López Obrador announced a diplomatic suspension with Spain over a dispute with energy companies. At the time, he stated that the suspension "was not a disruption in relations" with Spain, but rather "an expression of respect and friendship against the abuses and injustices 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