Sheinbaum Addresses Allegations and Trade Tensions in Monday Press Conference

During a recent press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences for Pope Francis’s death and addressed claims regarding Mexican criminals targeting Ecuador’s president. She refuted the allegations, reinforced the Mexico-Ecuador diplomatic rift, discussed her call with Trump concerning trade tariffs, and acknowledged ongoing tensions over various trade issues, including tomato imports and water obligations.
President Claudia Sheinbaum commenced her Monday morning press conference by expressing condolences for Pope Francis’s passing, aligning with the global mourning sentiments. During a question-and-answer session, she addressed allegations suggesting that Mexican criminals were plotting to assassinate Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, who was re-elected on April 13, 2023.
Sheinbaum cited that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) had refuted claims regarding Mexican hired killers allegedly preparing to attack President Noboa. This assertion originated from a purported Ecuadorian military intelligence report that surfaced on social media, which stated that these criminals’ transfer to Ecuador had initiated.
The Ecuadorian Ministry of Government issued a statement condemning threats against Noboa and other Ecuadorian officials, asserting the existence of intelligence regarding potential assassinations and violent unrest. However, Sheinbaum noted that the Ecuadorian government failed to provide evidence or verify the sources of the claims regarding Mexican involvement.
The SRE published a statement categorically rejecting narratives that implicate Mexico in Ecuador’s internal affairs, specifically criticizing the characterizations of Mexico as a source of criminal activities. Sheinbaum detailed that diplomatic relations with Ecuador had been severed following an assault on the Mexican Embassy in Quito in April 2024, which violated international law.
In discussing her recent call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Sheinbaum described it as productive while addressing U.S. tariffs on Mexican steel, aluminum, and automobiles. Although no agreements were finalized, she emphasized the need for dialogue and presented Argentina’s trade deficit involving steel and aluminum.
Moreover, she reiterated her commitment to defending Mexico’s trade interests and highlighted ongoing communications between the two nations. Sheinbaum foresees negotiations with the U.S. continuing over the following weeks, aiming for favorable conditions for the Mexican auto industry and other sectors.
Lastly, Sheinbaum acknowledged rising tensions over trade issues such as tomato imports and water obligations under an established treaty. While she refrained from discussing specific details of her conversation with Trump regarding these matters, she confirmed that they are actively deliberating them with U.S. counterparts, particularly in light of Mexico’s current drought challenges affecting water supplies.
In conclusion, President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed pressing issues during her Monday press conference, including allegations of Mexican involvement in plots against Ecuador’s president, her recent conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, and ongoing tensions in trade relations between Mexico and the United States. She firmly rejected the claims of hired killers, underscored her government’s advocacy for fair trade conditions, and acknowledged water supply challenges stemming from drought. The interplay of these diplomatic relations illustrates the complexities of international challenges faced by Mexico.
Original Source: mexiconewsdaily.com