**Canada Assures No Intervention in Mexican Affairs; Pause with US Does Not Affect Relations: AMLO – TJGringo.com**
On August 28, 2024, the Canadian government announced it deeply respects Mexico’s sovereignty and has no intention of interfering in its internal affairs. A spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada, responding to concerns raised by Canadian investors, emphasized the profound value Canada places on its relationship with Mexico, labeling it a crucial ally, neighbor, and friend.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, during his morning press conference on August 28, 2024, clarified that the pause in relations with the U.S. and Canadian embassies does not affect Mexico’s diplomatic ties with these countries. This pause was announced following criticisms from U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Lee Salazar and Canadian Ambassador Graeme C. Clark regarding a judicial reform proposal being discussed in Mexico’s Congress. The reform seeks to introduce the direct election of judges, magistrates, and Supreme Court justices.
Salazar warned that such a reform poses a risk to democratic functioning and economic integration, expressing concerns over potential increased criminal influence in the judiciary. Clark echoed investor concerns about the proposed changes.
López Obrador reiterated that the pause only applies to embassy relations and emphasized that it is inappropriate for diplomats to comment on Mexico’s internal policies. He highlighted that Mexico’s Constitution grants the sovereign right to its people to change their government, stressing that the reform aims to combat corruption and ensure the judiciary serves the people rather than elite interests.
The President questioned why foreign diplomats are involved in matters solely concerning Mexicans and criticized what he perceives as undue external influence. He noted the importance of adhering to Mexico’s independent and sovereign foreign policy.
**Secondary Article: Concerns Over Judicial Reform in Mexico**
An article in a prominent U.S. newspaper on August 28, 2024, focused on the conflict between Mexico and the diplomatic missions of the United States and Canada. The report highlighted worries about the impact of the Mexican judicial reform on commercial relations and the U.S. economy.
The newspaper’s coverage also featured a silent protest by workers of the Mexican Supreme Court against the reform. It emphasized Salazar’s warning regarding organized crime’s potential influence if judges are elected by popular vote.
The article also reported on statements from Mexico’s President-elect, Claudia Sheinbaum, defending the reform’s intent to maintain judicial independence and autonomy. It further discussed potential legal changes under López Obrador’s broader legislative agenda, including integrating the National Guard into the Defense Ministry.
These developments reflect ongoing international and domestic debates over the balance between democratic reforms and maintaining judicial integrity in Mexico.