U.S. Consul General in Guadalajara Edward Ramotowski poured scorn on the notion that Mexico is a failed state, as some U.S. critics have noted, in a major address to the University of Guadalajara last week that covered a broad swath of bilateral issues.
Mexico can draw on “many important strengths” in confronting its challenges, the diplomat told an audience at the university’s rectory.
“Mexico has a growing network of civil society institutions and a vibrant, independent press. Mexican institutions are increasingly connected to the rest of the world. Mexico has one of the world’s most important emerging economies, one that is based on sound monetary and fiscal policies. Mexico also has an exceptionally strong and historic sense of national identity. And Mexico has world class educational institutions.”
In a speech that kept criticism of Mexico to a minimum, Ramotowski praised the steps taken by President Felipe Calderon to confront the country’s “foremost challenge” of trafficking in illicit narcotics. These include using the armed forces in operations against drug cartels, professional training programs for Mexican police forces, counter-corruption initiatives and long-term judicial reforms, he noted.
Ramotowski, who moves on from his Guadalajara assignment in July after three years in the city, gave a concise but eloquent summary of where the U.S.-Mexico relationship currently stands and how President Barack Obama would like to see it move forward.
Mirroring Obama’s comments made during his April visit to Mexico City, Ramotowski said both countries must share the burden of fighting drug and weapons trafficking.
“Drug traffickers don’t respect borders or the lives of innocents, and so north of the border we have a responsibility to support the government of Mexico in this fight.”
The consul general noted that the most recent appropriation by the U.S. Congress includes 66 million dollars to procure urgently needed Blackhawk helicopters to transport Mexican soldiers combating cartel activities.
Ignoring the divisions that bedevil the United States over the issue of immigration, Ramotowski chose to highlight the “diversity and unique skills that Mexican immigrants bring to the United States” and pointed out that millions of Mexicans “cross our shared border for tourism, business, shopping or school – and they return home.”
Ramotowski said ensuring a safe border and fair immigration system is a priority for Obama, although he added that “it is not possible yet to talk about what type of legislation the U.S. congress will begin to craft.”
In addressing the global economic downturn, Ramotowski said the United States is committed to increasing bilateral trade.
“Now, more than ever, we cannot close borders or impose protectionist measures,” he said.
Despite many misgivings on both sides of the border, Ramotowski offered the view that 15 years of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) have served both countries well.
“Since 1994, U.S. exports here have increased by 198 percent and those of Mexico to the U.S. have increased by 336 percent,” he said.
He also paid tribute to the Mexican government’s handling of the recent influenza outbreak.
“Tough choices had to be made on the federal and local level, together we are getting through this crisis.”
Ramotowski acknowledged the United States’ measured response to the outbreak.
“While some nations stopped flights or quarantined Mexicans, no such action was taken in the United States. The border remained open and Mexicans continued to be welcomed.”
In a regional context, Ramotowski restated Obama’s desire to launch a new chapter of engagement.
“Rather than be dragged down by the stale debates of the past, he has urged hemispheric leaders to make a fresh start and deal with the future.”
As an example of this, Ramotowski pointed to the new U.S. policy on Cuba, which allows Cuban-Americans to visit the Caribbean island whenever they choose and provide resources to their families.
Ramotowski also explained the balancing role of U.S. diplomacy: “We must listen and reconcile without losing the nation’s commitment to protect and defend basic human rights, he summed up.
“Those are the founding principles of my country, and though we may not always be perfect in our quest to sustain these goals, they must always be foremost in our sights.”
Referring to the local mission, Ramotowski said “justice, progress, tolerance and the dignity of all human beings” were the basic principles that he has sought to defend in Guadalajara.
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