Support to Fight Violence in Guanajuato / Trade Beyond USMCA

Reaction to Guanajuato massacre. After yesterday’s massacre of 26 young adults in a rehabilitation center in Irapuato, President López Obrador said he will face the rising violence in Guanajuato. “We have officers from the Secretary of Navy, the National Defense and the National Guard who are protecting the population. It is a very serious situation in Guanajuato,” he stated. The president said the region is suffering from confrontations between criminal groups, where fuel theft cartels stand out. He also lamented that criminals are colluding with authorities and so a joint strategy is needed. “This is not about blaming others, but about working together,” he said.

Trade goals beyond USMCA. Mexico will take advantage of the USMCA trade treaty, but without turning its back on other regions or countries for further trade opportunities, President López Obrador said. “It’s geopolitics. We are very close to the United States and Canada, a fundamental region in the world in terms of economic and financial potential, but we must find a balance and not turn our backs to other countries or regions,” he said. The president noted that diversification is recommended for international trade, “not putting all our eggs in one basket.”

US state visit with limited activities. President López Obrador ruled out the possibility of meeting with migrant organizations during his state visit to the US, since his activities will be limited to the bilateral agenda. “In the case of the visit to the United States, we want to stick to the program because if we meet with one group, then we have to meet with others,” he said. The president highlighted that remittances represent almost MX$40 billion annually for the poorest families in the country, and praised migrants for they support.

Laments corruption in Ayotzinapa investigation. President López Obrador said there was corruption in the court that ordered the release of José Ángel “El Mochomo” Casarrubias, alleged leader of the Guerreros Unidos cartel and allegedly involved in the disappearance of 43 Ayotzinapa students in 2014. After years of being sought by authorities, Casarrubias was arrested early this week only to be released the next day and then arrested again. The president said that he expects the head of the Office of the Attorney General (FGR) Alejandro Gertz Manero to have a strong case in court.

Lozoya, another challenge for FGR. President López Obrador said that he will support the Attorney General (FGR) in the extradition and further legal process against former PEMEX head Emilio Lozoya. “Before the Attorney General's Office was at the president’s disposal. Now, it is an independent prosecutor's office and is in good hands. Alejandro Gertz Manero is an honest man and we have nothing to fear. The whole truth will be known,” he said.

----

Click HERE for full transcript in Spanish