**U.S. Ambassador’s Communications Restricted by Mexican Government**
In a recent announcement, the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, outlined a pivotal change in diplomatic protocol regarding communications with Kenneth Lee Salazar, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico since September 2021. As of October 11, 2024, any direct interaction between Ambassador Salazar and federal officials of the Mexican government must now occur through the Secretary of Foreign Affairs (SRE).
During a morning press conference held at the National Palace’s Treasury Hall, Sheinbaum explained that Ambassador Salazar had previously contacted various Mexican government officials directly when addressing issues of mutual interest, such as energy investments. The new protocol aims to centralize and streamline these interactions under the guidance of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, thereby maintaining a more structured and diplomatic engagement.
Moreover, Sheinbaum revealed that Chancellor Juan Ramón de la Fuente RamÃrez will also meet with Graeme C. Clark, the Canadian Ambassador to Mexico, to discuss concerns over a proposed judicial reform in Mexico. This reform intends to elect Supreme Court judges, magistrates, and ministers through popular vote, a move that has raised apprehensions among foreign investors.
The decision to impose this communication protocol comes in the wake of strained diplomatic relations following the arrest of Ismael Mario Zambada GarcÃa, alias “El Mayo,” in July 2024. This development, which took place on U.S. soil without the prior consultation of the Mexican government, had previously led to a pause in high-level meetings between the U.S. and Mexico, as instigated by former President López Obrador.
Despite these constraints, Sheinbaum stressed that diplomacy with the U.S. remains active and reiterated the planned meeting between Ambassador Salazar and Chancellor de la Fuente RamÃrez to address significant bilateral coordination issues.
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**Related Context: Judicial Reform Concerns Emerge Amid Diplomatic Discourse**
In addition to the new protocol for U.S.-Mexico communications, recent diplomatic tensions have also been affected by Mexico’s proposed judicial reform. Introduced by former President López Obrador to Congress on February 5, 2024, this reform suggests the direct election of judges, prompting stern reactions from international parties.
The U.S. Embassy articulated its reservations, emphasizing that while it supports Mexico’s judicial reform aspirations, the method of electing judges might not sufficiently address issues like corruption within the judiciary or enhance its independence. Similarly, the Canadian government, through its ambassador, has voiced concerns over the reform’s potential impact on investor confidence.
These apprehensions underline the complex interplay of domestic policy decisions and their potential repercussions on international relations and economic stability in the region. As these developments unfold, the significance of maintaining diplomatic decorum and structured communication is increasingly apparent.