Translation, “Nah” Signed The President of Mexico

“Mexico offers and demands respect, as a the sovereign Nation that we are,” Peña Nieto wrote in another tweet.

The Thursday morning announcement followed long hours of speculation Wednesday night, as political figures pressed Peña Nieto to take a stand against what many Mexicans view as a uniquely hostile U.S. president that wants to bilk the country for billions of dollars. Trump has repeatedly made public statements shaming international corporations that shift operations there.

It wasn’t until Wednesday evening that Peña Nieto finally released a video recording in which he said that he would continue talks with the U.S. government and would consult Cabinet officials and members of Congress about what additional steps to take. Peña Nieto stopped short of saying in the video that he wouldn’t attend the meeting with Trump, but insisted once again his government wouldn’t pay for the construction of a border wall.

“Mexico doesn’t believe in walls,” Peña Nieto said in the recording. “I’ve said it many times before ― Mexico will not pay for this wall.”

Trump pounced on him Thursday morning, in a pair of tweets that said Peña Nieto shouldn’t bother coming to Washington if he’s not willing to pay for the wall.

The diplomatic fallout marks a unique low point in the relationship between the United States and Mexico, threatening to undermine the two countries’ close ties. And losing Mexico’s partnership will play some role in undermining Trump’s efforts to carry out policies including a crackdown on illegal immigration and challenging Mexican drug cartels.

Peña Nieto largely avoided confrontation with Trump during a campaign that repeatedly vilified Mexico. But given the hostility that Mexico perceives from the United States, Peña Nieto has little choice politically but to let the relationship deteriorate.

Huffington Post

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