The US strengthens security collaboration with the Mexican state of Zacatecas

The announcement that collaboration between the United States government and authorities from the state of Zacatecas will be strengthened to combat violence has generated controversy in Mexico.

One month after his first visit, the US ambassador, Ken Salazar, returned to Zacatecas accompanied by representatives from various US agencies, who held meetings with state authorities headed by Governor David Monreal.

The ambassador said it was a historic meeting with the participation of representatives from the FBI, the DEA, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the International Bureau of Anti-Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the State Department and the Consul General of Monterrey, everything, he stressed, with respect to the sovereignty of Mexico

“There is work to do, but work for results when one works together. Here today we had all the agencies, the leadership of the United States. And we come here because we are working in the light, with everyone, always with respect for the sovereignty of the State, respect for the governor and respect for the federal government of the Republic of Mexico”, declared the ambassador.

However, some analysts and legislators considered that the agreement is illegal, since Article 117 of the Mexican Constitution establishes that states cannot enter into alliances, treaties or coalitions with another state or with foreign powers and this would be a power of the Federation.

In contrast, Senator Ricardo Monreal, brother of the governor, pointed out that there is no illegality in the cooperation agreements and they are part of the Bicentennial Understanding between the two countries.

“I believe that it is an agreement of good faith, of collaboration in which no law is broken and there is no interference or meddling by foreign agents, legality guaranteed,” said Monreal.

One fact that drew attention was that no Mexican federal authority attended the agreement.

Connect with the Voice of America! Subscribe to our channel Youtube and turn on notifications, or follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.