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Mexico City, August 5, 2005. I have received inquiries about whether the murder of Nuevo Laredo Councilman Leopoldo Ramos Trevino would impact my decision to reopen our consulate in Nuevo Laredo on Monday, August 8, at 8:00 A.M. This morning’s tragic event once again highlights the need for Mexico to stand resolute in its effort to rescue Nuevo Laredo from the hands of the kingpins and capos that are actively undermining the fabric of life in both our countries.
The events this morning should dispel once and for all any questions that may have been raised as to whether the conditions existed to take the measures I did in suspending activities at the consulate last Friday. As I noted in my statement this morning, Mexico’s leaders have personally assured me that they are fully committed to protecting our employees and the people of both nations who visit our consulate.
This again demonstrates that the battle against Mexico’s drug lords will not be won overnight and the commitments made and plans announced over the last few days are but a second step in a long road ahead for both our nations. And we will be vigilant. Again, I must reiterate that as the United States Ambassador to Mexico, my principle duty is to protect the lives of my fellow American citizens. But I am also a friend of Mexico, a native of the border, and I know well that what threatens our southern neighbor also threatens the United States.
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