Mexico Daily News, Jan.9, 2013

Posted by The Generals on January 10, 2013, 4:42 pm
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Subject: Mexico News DAILY January 09, 2013 Mexico Mexico’s new US ambassador Development: On 8 January the permanent commission of Mexico’s congress approved President Enrique Peña Nieto’s proposed US ambassador, Eduardo Medina Mora Icaza. Significance: It is in Peña Nieto’s interest to fill the post sooner rather than later in order to make good on his promise to “re-launch” bilateral relations with a more positive focus. Medina Mora, currently Mexico’s ambassador to the UK, is a member of the opposition Partido Acción Nacional (PAN) and as such his approval hearings should be smoother in congress. His full ratification by the plenary is expected today (9 January). Key points: • Medina Mora was made UK ambassador in 2009 by Peña Nieto’s predecessor, Felipe Calderón (2006-2012). He previously served as public security minister (2005-2006) under the PAN administration led by Vicente Fox (2000-2006); and then as attorney general (PGR, 2006-2009) under Calderón. As such his nomination is not only a gesture to the PAN but also signals continuity in Mexico’s security cooperation with the US. • At yesterday’s hearing, Medina Mora identified migration, bilateral trade and the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime as the main axes of the US-Mexico relationship. • Asked whether as a member of recent administrations he had any knowledge of or involvement in the controversial US sting operation, ‘Fast & Furious’, which continues to affect the bilateral relationship, Medina Mora categorically denied any previous knowledge and rejected the notion that the operation was “authorised by the Mexican government”. However, he added that in his view additional cooperation through the Merida crime-fighting initiative was necessary. • Peña Nieto yesterday met Mexico’s diplomatic corps and called on diplomats to concentrate on promoting trade and investment in Mexico, as well as boosting “international cooperation in all areas”.

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