Sinaloa celebrates the exemption of travel alerts in its tourist jewels

Historical ratification in Strasbourg

The European Parliament gave the green light this Wednesday to the Modernized Global Agreement between Mexico and the European Union, as well as the Interim Trade Agreement. The vote was overwhelming: 479 votes in favor for the first, 474 for the second.

“It is a historic day for Mexico,” declared Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, Mexico’s ambassador to the EU. He highlighted that the number of votes far exceeds the 370 that other similar agreements usually receive.

The diplomat stressed that the massive approval reflects political support for the bi-regional bond. “We must be very happy, but aware that a closer political, commercial and cultural relationship is just beginning,” he added.

What’s next

Now the agreements must be approved by the Mexican Senate. President Claudia Sheinbaum already signed both documents in May during the visit of Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, presidents of the Commission and the European Council, respectively.

The legislative process in Mexico will be the last step for the treaty to enter into force. Ratification in the Senate is expected to occur in the coming months, without major setbacks.

The modernization of the original agreement, in force since 2000, expands cooperation on issues such as climate change, digital rights and supply chains. It also simplifies customs procedures and opens new investment sectors.

Doubt about Ken Salazar’s version

President Claudia Sheinbaum questioned the contradictions of former United States ambassador, Ken Salazar, regarding the transfer of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada to United States territory. “You cannot say one thing one day and then another when it has to do with interference in Mexico; that’s why we say: who is lying?” he said.

Sheinbaum recalled that Salazar initially stated that no US agency participated in the operation. However, recently the FBI displayed one of the small planes involved, taking credit for the action.

Security in Sinaloa: results without agreements

The president stressed that her government does not negotiate with criminal groups. “We do not make pacts with criminals, ever. We act every day, neither with organized nor white-collar criminals,” he stated.

As an example, he explained that in Sinaloa 2,540 people have been arrested for high-impact crimes and intentional homicides decreased 44 percent.

“Who agrees with members of organized crime? Because we don’t,” he emphasized. He summoned the Secretary of Security to support the actions of the Security Cabinet since the previous six-year term and to date.

The president linked the handling of the Zambada case to the need for clarity in the bilateral relationship. “It is very important that you cannot say one thing one day and then another when it has to do with interference in Mexico,” he concluded.

The Attorney General’s Office of Morelos completed an arrest warrant against Víctor Rodríguez Padilla, former director of Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), for the crime of family violence. The arrest was made at 5:32 p.m. on Tuesday at the Benito Juárez mayor’s office, in the Narvarte neighborhood, in front of a cafe.

Elements of the Ministerial Investigation Police of Mexico City collaborated with Morelos authorities in the operation. According to the National Detention Registry, Rodríguez Padilla is 1.78 meters tall, has a white complexion and white hair; He was wearing a white shirt and dress pants.

The case that led to the arrest

The arrest responds to a complaint filed by María Felicia Jiménez Lavie, wife of the former official. At the end of June, she spread videos on social networks showing the former director attacking her at her home in Emiliano Zapata, Morelos. After the images went viral, President Claudia Sheinbaum declared that she would not protect anyone and asked to apply the full weight of the law.

Jiménez Lavie formally presented the complaint on June 29 before the Prosecutor’s Office for Investigation of Crimes of Family Violence of Mexico City. She explained that she was treated “like another citizen.” The victim accused physical and psychological attacks during their marriage.

Protection measures and advancement of research

The attorney general of Morelos, Fernando Blumenkron Escobar, reported that the specialized Public Ministry of the Justice Center for Women issued protection measures in favor of Jiménez Lavie. These will be activated when the victim requires it. The Women’s Secretariat of the federal government is following up on the case.

Blumenkron confirmed that the investigation folder began ex officio on June 26. “The investigation file continues to be integrated. The proceedings have not stopped and we will continue to guarantee justice for the victim,” he stressed. The Morelos Prosecutor’s Office collaborates with the Women’s Secretariat and the capital’s Prosecutor’s Office.

Among the pending procedures is to locate the address where the attack occurred, to carry out expert work in accordance with the images released. Rodríguez Padilla will be transferred to Morelos for medical certification and presentation before the judge who issued the arrest warrant.