Press Release 218

Mexico City     October 24, 2006

MEXICO REJECTS PHYSICAL BARRIERS ON ITS BORDER WITH THE U.S., SAYS GUTIÉRREZ FERNÁNDEZ

In his speech during the seminar on migration in North America, organized by the North American Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Undersecretary for North American Affairs Gerónimo Gutiérrez Fernández repeated the position of the Mexican government, which is based on the principle of shared responsibility and reflects the understanding that both countries should do their part to achieve better results in the bilateral administration of migration.

During the seminar, the undersecretary said that although Mexico supports ensuring the safety of the border with the United States, it rejects the creation of physical barriers on the border between the two countries, in that it goes against the spirit of cooperation that must exist to guarantee the security of the area. He also said that the Foreign Ministry is firmly committed to protecting our fellow citizens abroad and respect for their rights.

In addition, the undersecretary met with New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson to discuss migratory issues as well as the infrastructure of the border crossing points. He also met with state education officials to discuss the bilateral cooperation programs that extend a series of educational benefits to the Mexican and Mexican-American communities.

Finally, the undersecretary met with the Mexican consul in Albuquerque, Juan Manuel Solana, and with other consular officials there to evaluate the operation of the consulate. The undersecretary was in the state of New Mexico from October 22-24.