This evening, President Enrique Peña Nieto delivered an address regarding the two executive orders signed today by the President of the United States related to our country.
The text of the president’s address is given below:
”Good evening.
The President of the United States today signed two executive orders related to our country: one to implement immigration measures and another to extend the border wall.
In response, I have ordered the Foreign Affairs Secretariat to strengthen measures to protect our compatriots.
The 50 Mexican Consulates in the United States will become true defenders of migrants’ rights.
Our communities are not alone. The Mexican government will provide them with legal advice, which will guarantee the protection they require.
I call on legislators and civil society organizations to join forces to support them.
Wherever there is a Mexican migrant at risk requiring our support, we must be there and his country must be there too.
I regret and condemn the decision by the United States to continue building a wall which for years has divided rather than united us.
Mexico does not believe in walls.
I have said this time and time again: Mexico will not pay for any wall.
These executive orders also come at a time when our country is initiating talks to negotiate the new rules of cooperation, trade, investment, security and migration in the North American region.
This negotiation is very important for the strength, confidence and future of our economy and society.
As president, I fully assume the responsibility of defending and protecting the interests of Mexico and Mexicans.
It is my duty to address problems and meet challenges.
On the basis of the final report by the Mexican officials currently in Washington, and after consultation with representatives of the Senate and the National Conference of Governors, I will make decisions about the next steps to be taken.
Mexico offers and demands respect as a fully sovereign nation.
Mexico confirms its friendship with the people of the United States and its wish to reach agreements with its government, agreements on behalf of Mexico and Mexicans.