The murder of journalists is an issue that worries the European Union, since it is a phenomenon that has been going on for several years, and the only thing that was sought with the resolution regarding the situation in Mexico is to support and help the authorities and civil society to face it, assures the ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union in Mexico, Gautier Mignot.
In an interview with EL UNIVERSAL, the European diplomat of French origin says that they are not looking for any sterile controversy with our country and considers that the dispute with Mexico has been clarified.
He points out that criticism is also accepted in Europe and highlights that, for decades, the European bloc has had a commitment to the defense of human rights throughout the world, not only in Mexico.
How was the statement from the Mexican government taken?
—We must remember that we have a strategic relationship with Mexico, and between strategic partners, between friends, we can say things frankly, openly. We can disagree, but on a basis of mutual respect.
We saw the statement, the statements of the President [Andrés Manuel López Obrador] in your morning today [ayer], and through diplomatic channels, the necessary clarifications and statements were made by both parties on this matter. We are not looking for any sterile controversy, today in the world we have very serious concerns.
What we want is to continue with the dialogue of trust and cooperation at many levels that we have with Mexico.
Was there a diplomatic clarification?
“There are two different things. The resolutions voted by the European Parliament are done independently of the European Executive, MEPs are autonomous and do not need the approval of the European Executive to give their resolutions. Today, after the statements made by the President of the Republic of Mexico, exchanges took place between the foreign ministries and the embassies.
Is it clear that it is a position of the European Parliament and not interference?
—For many decades, the European Union has been committed to defending human rights in the world in particular, not only in Mexico. This is part of a dialogue and cooperation that we have with our partners, who share our values of attachment to human rights, which is one of the pillars of our global agreement between the European Union and Mexico since 1997, and is a bilateral dialogue .
We also accept that they criticize us, that they question us about human rights issues, about the rule of law in the European Union… on migratory issues, to take an example, because it is an issue where we have been criticized in the last years.
Are the murders of journalists in Mexico something that alarms the European Union?
-Yes of course. It worries us in Mexico, it worries us in other countries of the world. It is a phenomenon that has been going on for many years, unfortunately. In Mexico there have been cases this year that have moved Mexican public opinion and also the European Union. It is for this reason, I think, that the European Parliament felt that it was time to pronounce on it.
We do it in an effort to help, to support. We are the main donor and cooperator in the field of human rights, both with civil society and with the Mexican government, on many issues like this. That is the most important thing and we want to continue in trust with the Mexican government and civil society.
Clarified everything, is the dialogue maintained?
-So is.