### AMLO Criticizes U.S. Ambassador’s Remarks as “Intrusive and Reckless”
On August 23, 2024, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico described recent comments by Kenneth Lee Salazar, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, as “disrespectful to our sovereignty,” calling them “unfortunate and reckless.” Salazar had warned that the proposed judicial reform in Mexico, which includes the direct election of judges, could pose a risk to democracy and economic integration.
At his morning press conference held at the National Palace, López Obrador accused the U.S. government of pursuing an “interventionist policy” and revealed that he had filed an official complaint following the ambassador’s remarks. He referenced the historical context of U.S. intervention in Latin America, pointing out that the Monroe Doctrine has long been used to justify interference.
“For many years, the United States has applied an interventionist policy throughout the Americas, starting with the Monroe Doctrine,” López Obrador emphasized, stating that the U.S. has a history of deciding policies in Latin American countries, even going as far as installing or removing presidents at will.
The President highlighted the history of U.S. actions that have invaded and divided countries, which included Mexico losing half of its territory in the Mexican-American War.
Recent statements by Ambassador Salazar warning that the judicial reform could disrupt democracy and bilateral trade relationships were met with strong opposition from the Mexican government, which issued a diplomatic note of protest. The Mexican Foreign Ministry expressed its dismay, stating that the initiative aims to strengthen the rule of law through democratic procedures set out in Mexico’s constitution.
“The Mexican government is committed to a judiciary that enjoys true independence, autonomy, and legitimacy, thereby strengthening the rule of law and improving access to justice for all,” read a statement from the Foreign Ministry.
The Ministry added that Ambassador Salazar’s comments are seen as an unacceptable act of interference in Mexico’s sovereign affairs, countering the spirit of mutual respect usually characterizing U.S.-Mexico relations.
### Background News: Concerns Over Mexican Judicial Reform
In related news, the judicial reform proposed by President López Obrador has drawn international scrutiny. Ambassador Salazar’s comments were echoed by Canadian Ambassador to Mexico, who recently revealed that Canadian investors are concerned about the reform’s potential impact on the judiciary’s independence and its implications for investment security.
Furthermore, Mexican political figures, including Claudia Sheinbaum, have also weighed in on the issue. Sheinbaum addressed the ambassador’s concerns on social media platform X, reinforcing the Mexican government’s stance against foreign interference in domestic matters.
As Mexico moves forward with its judicial reform, the international community remains watchful, underscoring the delicate balance between domestic policy and international relations.
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