Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Mexico, August 20 - President Claudia Sheinbaum today denied the existence of a joint operation with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as indicated in a statement issued yesterday by that agency.
Sheinbaum Clarifies the DEA’s Statement
In her morning press conference at the National Palace, the president explained that the DEA claimed there was an agreement with the Mexican government for an operation called Project Portero. “There is no such agreement. The only thing that exists is a group of police officers in a workshop in Texas; that’s all there is,” she asserted.
What the DEA’s Statement Said
According to the DEA, Project Portero aims to combat the trafficking of fentanyl, methamphetamines, weapons, and illicit finances. The statement referred to “planning and operating hand in hand with our Mexican partners,” which was refuted by the president.
Sovereignty and Bilateral Respect
Sheinbaum stated that she consulted with all security institutions, and none reported any agreements with the United States. Additionally, she questioned Washington’s unilateral designation of drug cartels as terrorists, noting that this is not the correct legal definition. While she clarified that this incident does not affect the bilateral relationship, she urged the U.S. to avoid spreading false information and misleading messages.
Call for Non-Interventionism
In this context, Sheinbaum reiterated the importance of non-interventionism and respect for national sovereignty, referring to the deployment of U.S. destroyers off the coast of Venezuela.
Updates on Lithium
In another matter, the president announced that Mexico now holds two patents for Litio MX to utilize the mineral. Although there is currently no mass production capacity, the federal government is working alongside Pemex and energy companies to promote lithium development and take advantage of the substantial deposits of this strategic resource. (Text and photo: Cubasí)
