The Obama/Peña Nieto Reunion

The visit of Mexico’s President Enrique Peña Nieto to D.C. was originally intended to show his economic reforms, but recent events have changed his mission. Now he needs to reassure both the United States government and investors that his country is under control. But above all else, Peña Nieto must speak frankly and directly to the Mexican people and the larger international community about widespread concern over the country’s direction under his rule.

Mexico, today, is a far cry from the government’s declarations to diminish the significance of violence in order to focus on the economy and trade. The June killing of 22 people by the army in Tlatlaya, State of Mexico, and the disappearance of 43 students in Ayotzinapa, perpetrated by police officers and drug lords, exposed the extent of human rights violations by the police and army forces.

Peña Nieto must directly address the accusations and suspicions that lead many Mexicans to protest in the streets of the United States. Apologies and empty promises aren’t enough. Concrete proposals are needed or else US aid authorized under the Mérida Plan is at risk. The U.S. cannot send funds that can be used against the civilian population.

Government corruption also damaged Peña Nieto’s image when it was known that a government contractor gifted the presidential couple a luxury mansion. The bad example of corruption at the top level sends a worrying signal.

Other than Mexico’s internal troubles, there are many subjects of common interest, like border security — Mexico cannot abandon its responsibilities on what happens on its side of the border.

We welcome the Mexican interest about what will happen with their citizens here after Obama’s migratory relief. However, this is a U.S. issue. The best Peña Nieto can do is to create better security, confidence and work conditions to stop the migration north.

There are other permanent issues in the Mexico-U.S. agenda, such as commerce, finance —in view of falling oil prices — and the environment, among others. But they will be relegated by the public and the protestors that will loudly accompany the Mexican president’s visit.

Human rights violations resulting from corruption and the absence of law and order are the central issues in Mexico today. These must be addressed in the bilateral relationship. Mexico needs help, but providing support must begin with an honest government, far from that which Peña Nieto represents today