U.S. ambassador defends criticism of Mexican crime problem

Corpus Christi Caller-Times ^ | March 3, 2005

[SwinneySwitch]

MEXICO CITY- U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Tony Garza defended his criticism of Mexico's law enforcement efforts on the border even though it has ruffled feathers here, saying he has a responsibility to protect the safety of U.S. citizens.

Garza _ who married one of Mexico's richest businesswomen over the weekend _ appeared unconcerned about the intense criticism from Mexican officials, assuring business leaders Wednesday that "increasingly, the world appreciates President Bush's steadfast efforts to end tyranny," despite Bush's continuing unpopularity in Mexico.

"With regard to the U.S.-Mexico border, I want to reiterate that we have no interest in criticizing Mexico gratuitously," Garza said in a speech to the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico City.

"But where the safety and security of U.S. citizens are at stake, I will not hesitate to speak out forcefully and unequivocally. As someone who grew up in South Texas, I recognize that the safety of that region is a shared responsibility."

In January, the U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory alerting citizens to recent drug-trafficking and kidnapping violence on the Mexican side of the shared border.

Soon after, Garza sent an open letter to Mexican officials criticizing local law enforcement's progress against border crime and saying the lack of security along the border could have a "chilling" effect on trade and tourism.

President Vicente Fox later said Garza's letter went too far.

Garza also commented Wednesday on Mexico's economy, saying the country needs to develop stronger government-private sector relations in order to advance its position in the global marketplace.

Garza also stressed the importance of generating economic growth in Mexico's poor and neglected regions. He said it was important to establish social entrepreneurship that can develop strong, local market networks to serve low-income communities.

Immigration reform is more likely to occur when "Mexico is doing everything it can to create economic opportunities" for Mexicans, Garza said. "Reliance on remittances from the U.S. is not a viable economic policy. This only increases dependence on the United States and delays Mexico's full participation in the global economy."

Garza was accompanied by his wife Maria Asuncion Aramburuzabala, who as vice chairwoman of Grupo Modelo, the maker of Corona and Negra Modelo beers, is one of Mexico's richest businesswomen.

The Chamber of Commerce event marked their first public event since their small, private wedding Saturday.

[SwinneySwitch]

"Reliance on remittances from the U.S. is not a viable economic policy."

Give 'em hell, Tony!

[the gillman@blacklagoon.com]

Ruffled feathers?

We're at war, damn it!

All but a few people at the tippety top see that clearly.

[oldleft]

F Mexico. I'm going to Belize this year.

[cyncooper]

Yet another charge leveled by a certain faction around here demonstrated false.

I had posted other articles showing that the ambassador, contrary to the assertions some made, had not backed off, rescinded or kissed up.

Garza also stressed the importance of generating economic growth in Mexico's poor and neglected regions.

A good message.

[henderson field]

This is a good start. We should be telling the Mexican government what it needs to do to have an economy that keeps its citizens there. If they don't do it, there should be repercussions.

[MoJo2001]

Ping!

[cyncooper]

It's not a "start". It's a continuation.

[untrained skeptic]

"Garza was accompanied by his wife Maria Asuncion Aramburuzabala, who as vice chairwoman of Grupo Modelo, the maker of Corona and Negra Modelo beers, is one of Mexico's richest businesswomen."

Mmmmmm... Modelo.

[SwinneySwitch]

Southern Border Ping!

Please let me know if you want on or off this South Texas/Mexico ping list.

[MoJo2001]

Ping!!

[JustAnotherSavage]

""Mexico is doing everything it can to create economic opportunities" for Mexicans, Garza said. "


Like what? The USA giving them yet more money to set up "economic oppotunities"? I think Mr. Garza wants it both ways with the cost all going to the US taxpaying CITIZEN.

[JustAnotherSavage]

Rush is talking about the UTAH bill now, asking why we don't call them "ILLEGAL"

[monkeywrench]

"Immigration reform is more likely to occur when "Mexico is doing everything it can to create economic opportunities" for Mexicans, Garza said. "Reliance on remittances from the U.S. is not a viable economic policy. This only increases dependence on the United States and delays Mexico's full participation in the global economy."

This carrot has been dangling in front of fox for a long time. Time to use the stick! If we're going to be consistant in foreign policy if nothing else. Why should the mexican govt. get a pass on corruption and oppressing their citizens?

[Dog Gone]

Mexico will never progress until it cleans up the corruption in government and its police force. The police routinely rob Americans, and who are you going to call? The police?

[JustAnotherSavage]

FBI Crime Alert Most Wanted from Jan/Feb 05

http://www.fbi.gov/mostwant/alert/castaneda.htm

http://www.fbi.gov/mostwant/fugitive/jan2005/jancooper.htm

http://www.fbi.gov/mostwant/fugitive/feb2005/febmartinez.htm

http://www.fbi.gov/mostwant/fugitive/feb2005/febboureima.htm

http://www.fbi.gov/mostwant/fugitive/feb2005/febricaforte.htm

http://www.fbi.gov/mostwant/fugitive/feb2005/febvillareal.htm

http://www.fbi.gov/mostwant/fugitive/jan2005/janmontejo.htm

http://www.fbi.gov/mostwant/fugitive/jan2005/janechouafni.htm

http://www.fbi.gov/mostwant/fugitive/jan2005/janpasha.htm

http://www.fbi.gov/mostwant/fugitive/jan2005/janrosas.htm

http://www.fbi.gov/mostwant/fugitive/jan2005/jansolovyev.htm

http://www.fbi.gov/mostwant/fugitive/jan2005/janreyes.htm

[HiJinx]

By way of explaining differing views of Amb. Garza, these stories are slanted heavily one way or the other based on who's writing the story.

Much of the press that puts him in a bad light (in our eyes) comes from south of the Border. There are times that FReepers don't look at the source of a report before blasting someone.

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

What he says and what he does are two different things.

[FBD]

A NATIONAL DRIVE FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM in D.C.
April 23- 28, 2005

This is Roger Hedgecock's event.

http://www.rogerhedgecock.com/travel_current.html

A NATIONAL DRIVE FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM-
Hold Their Feet to the Fire XI with Roger Hedgecock - April 23- 28, 2005

[HiJinx]

That coincides with the last week of the event in Cochise County. We probably ought to have someone from here go there with SitReps. I'm sure the press isn't going to give us a fair shake when it comes to reporting events happening here that month.

[Carry_Okie]

As long as we tolerate customers for evil, we shouldn't bitch when we have to deal with the consequences.