Mexico City (EFE).- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum avoided confronting her United States counterpart Donald Trump on Wednesday after he accused Mexico of being the “epicenter” of drug trafficking.
Trump demanded that the Mexican government regain control of its territory from the cartels; however, Sheinbaum noted that she could also criticize the US for its illicit drug consumption and weapons production.
«We could get into that. I could say, ‘It’s difficult living next to a country with such high levels of illicit drug use. Or, ‘It’s difficult living next to a country that produces so many weapons.’ But I’m not going to say that,” the president said during her morning press conference.
Sheinbaum was responding to Trump’s remarks at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, where Trump stated that Mexico is «the epicenter of cartel violence» and called it «unacceptable» to share a 2,000-mile border with territory controlled by «the cartels.»
Speaking from UN headquarters, Trump demanded that Mexico regain control of its territory, but also highlighted the cooperation between the two countries.
The Republican president said he was proud to maintain a “very good relationship” with the Mexican government. He claimed that both countries have made “very significant progress” on security issues.
Sheinbaum emphasized that part of the speech, noting that Mexico is fighting the cartels as well.
«Because we have a good relationship with President Trump and the US government, we are working together and will make progress,» she said.
These statements come amid Trump’s repeated pressure to intensify the fight against Mexican cartels and his suggestions regarding possible US actions against these organizations, which Sheinbaum has rejected as they violate Mexican sovereignty.
The Mexican president also insisted that fighting drug trafficking is a responsibility that falls on both sides of the border.
Last week, in response to new US demands regarding Mexico’s security strategy, she asked Washington to report on its actions to reduce drug use and combat arms trafficking and money laundering.EFE
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