Mexico pauses relations with US Embassy over judicial reform comments

Mexico is not happy with the United States right now. Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced he is pausing relations with the U.S. Embassy because Ambassador Ken Salazar put out a statement that said the country’s proposed judicial reforms pose a “risk” to democracy.

"How are we going to allow the ambassador, with all our respect, this is not a matter of quarrel, of animosities, but how are we going to allow him to give his opinion that what we are doing is wrong?" López Obrador asked reporters rhetorically.

Mexico’s Congress will debate the reforms Sunday, Sept. 1. If approved, about 7,000 judges in the country, including its Supreme Court, would be elected by a popular vote. It would also shrink the size of the Supreme Court, and lower age and experience requirements.

"Based on my lifelong experience supporting the rule of law, I believe popular direct election of judges is a major risk to the functioning of Mexico’s democracy," Salazar said in his statement . "Any judicial reform should have the right kinds of safeguards that will ensure the judicial branch will be strengthened and not subject to the corruption of politics.”

After the pause was announced, the U.S. Embassy said it respects Mexico’s sovereignty but still has concerns about the popular election of judges.

López Obrador said Salazar will not be required to leave the country and suggested the U.S. State Department is behind his public comments.

"Pausing means we are going to give us some time and hopefully the U.S. Department of State,” López Obrador said. “Because it's not him."

This is not the first time this month that López Obrador has expressed disapproval with the United States. Just two weeks ago, López Obrador said he agreed with the Mexican Attorney General's decision to open an investigation into the arrest of drug lord Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada by U.S. authorities.

Zambada was arrested with Joaquín Guzmán López , the son of El Chapo, after their plane landed in New Mexico. Guzman allegedly wanted to turn himself in , while Zambada said he was taken against his will.

Mexico's Attorney General’s Office announced it is considering charges for Guzman and anyone else who helped turn over “El Mayo.” The charges include “illegal flight, illicit use of airports, immigration and customs violations, kidnapping, treason and any other crimes that may apply.”

López Obrador said he opposes U.S. intervention in Mexico.

“Why don’t they change that policy in the United States? Why do they think that arresting one famous drug lord — or two, or three or 10 — is going to solve their [drug abuse] problem?” López Obrador said when the investigation was announced.

López Obrador said Zambada’s arrest could be part of a plot to smear him and his political party. He also has a "hugs not bullets" policy for fighting drug cartels .

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