MEXICO’S POSITION ON THE U.S. SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT

The Mexican government has taken note of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee majority staff report on judicial and police reforms in Mexico, and states the following:

• Once again, the Mexican government rejects unilateral reports such as the one released today by the U.S. Senate. They do not contribute to creating conditions favorable to addressing our shared challenges that arise from the transnational organized crime that operates on both sides of our border. We are concerned that diplomatic practices have not been followed with regard to the usual procedures for coordinating international legislative activities.

• It is clear that the source of many of the security challenges and much of the violence encountered by Mexican society lies beyond our borders. The Mexican government has acted with firmness and determination to neutralize these challenges and to ensure the welfare of the population, as the report itself states.

• The Mexican government has implemented public policies and invested unprecedented resources to strengthen the ability of the State to provide security for its citizens. To build a safer and more prosperous Mexico based on respect for the law, important steps have been taken to strengthen and even rebuild our security and law enforcement agencies. Far-reaching legislative initiatives have been introduced, criminal organizations that disturb the peace of our Mexican citizens have been dismantled, and unprecedented social programs have been put in place to create opportunities, provide educational and health services and mend the social fabric of the most-affected communities. Progress in each and every one of these areas is necessary to reduce the violence.

• The federal government promoted ambitious reforms to the criminal justice system in Mexico that were adopted in June 2008. These reforms seek to expedite the delivery of justice through trials and establish a system that respects the rights of both the victims and the suspects, strengthening the guarantees of due process. These reforms will be incorporated over eight years. This process requires the commitment of all levels of government. Other important reforms, including the amparo system and human rights are also important for ensuring the rule of law in Mexico.

• The federal government backed the expansion of the federal police force from just over 6,000 members to more than 36,000. Twenty percent are women and more than 8,000 are university graduates. It also has cutting-edge infrastructure and equipment. The criminal information system called Platform Mexico now has over 500 million records. Although much remains to be done, we have made clear progress, especially within the state and municipal police corps, which requires the decisive action and commitment of all local governments.

• We have also worked on strengthening the armed forces. Their role has been crucial in fighting the violence that stems from organized crime, at a time when the country has needed their services. They have made undeniable progress in transparency and human rights.

• The issues addressed in the report, namely the implementation of police and judicial reforms, including at the state level, have been and are clear priorities of the federal government, and notable progress has been made and is visible to the Mexican society. They are priorities that were identified and agreed on mutually with the United States as part of the Merida Initiative and they have been the target of many innovative bilateral cooperation programs.

• Similarly, the Mexican government’s priorities have included developing and implementing ‘trust control tests’ and improving the supervision of the various security and law enforcement agencies.
• In all of these areas we now have solid institutional dynamics and mechanisms that clearly define the responsibilities of all levels and branches of government, in order to create a safer and more prosperous Mexico.

• The challenge is not Mexico’s alone. We have managed to establish a new paradigm of cooperation with the U.S. based on the principle of shared responsibility and both governments have strengthened our actions in our respective territories. However, our actions will be insufficient if all political actors in the United States do not take responsibility for halting the criminal trafficking of weapons into Mexico, combating the laundering of the illicit proceeds of organized crime in the U.S. financial system and reducing drug use significantly.

The Mexican government reiterates its commitment to addressing transnational organized crime out of its own conviction and will continue to work tirelessly to reduce violence, strengthen its institutions and provide all Mexicans with the safety and welfare that they deserve, without exception.