FOREIGN SECRETARY PATRICIA ESPINOSA CLOSES THE 19TH MEETING OF THE ADVISORY BOARD OF THE INSTITUTE OF MEXICANS ABROAD

Foreign Secretary Patricia Espinosa and Oaxaca Governor Gabino Cue Monteagudo chaired the closing session of the 19th meeting of the Advisory Board of the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (CCIME) in Oaxaca. IME Director Cándido Morales also participated at the meeting.

The Foreign Secretary discussed with the incoming IME advisors the importance of acknowledging the many contributions made by migrants to both their communities of origin and destination, and reiterated Mexico’s commitment to promoting the interests of the Mexicans abroad. She also mentioned the priority that Mexico gives to consular assistance and protection, and again expressed the strong opposition of the Mexican government to the decision announced by the U.S. Department of Justice not to bring criminal charges against the Border Patrol agent who shot and killed Sergio Adrián Hernandez Güereca, a Mexican teen, on June 7, 2010.

She stressed that the case opened in Mexico by the law enforcement agencies will continue and that the terms of Mexico’s answer to the U.S. are being evaluated in order to decide on the domestic, bilateral and multilateral steps that will be taken next.
She also said that Mexico’s relationship with the Mexican communities abroad is a priority, and that the recommendations of the Advisory Board are invaluable for setting, implementing and assessing public policies in that area. The CCIME has been instrumental in creating programs such as the Binational Health Week and the Health Windows.

Lastly, she thanked the Oaxacan government for its assistance and hospitality in organizing the meeting.

The CCIME advises the IME which, since 2003, has analyzed the issues, challenges and opportunities facing the Mexican communities abroad. The 2012-2014 Advisory Board is made up of 111 advisors elected by the communities in 56 consular districts in the United States and Canada; 10 advisors selected by the full CCIME based on their careers; up to five advisors from Hispanic organizations; up to three advisors from Mexican civil service organizations and representatives from Mexican state governments upon request.