State Department spokesman Robert Wood on Mexico, Honduras and Colombia
State Department spokesman Robert Wood had to answer a lot of questions about Latin America during today's daily press briefing. On aid to Mexico:
... the report is still in the draft stage. And we’re currently reviewing information that we’ve received over the last week for inclusion in the 15 percent report. I just want to be very clear here. Our goal is to try to produce as comprehensive a report as possible, so as – that Congress can fully understand the steps that the Mexican Government is taking to deal with protecting and expanding human rights in Mexico.... QUESTION: But I mean, what he’s complaining about is he feels that there’s an overemphasis on military strategy and not enough about the rule of law and human rights and the other things that make up into a counternarcotics strategy. MR. WOOD: Well, look, we’ve had conversations with the senator and his staff. And I know that there are those concerns out there. But certainly, we believe President Calderon is doing everything he can to try to improve the situation in Mexico with regard to human rights, particularly as it concerns the security forces. What we’re trying to do is to, as I said, get as comprehensive a picture for Congress so they can understand the steps that the Mexicans are taking. We take this report very seriously, and we want to make sure, as I said, it’s comprehensive. And we will do what we can. And as I said, it’s still in the draft stages. And we hope to be able to roll that out at some point in the near future. QUESTION: But don’t you think it presents a kind of problem or an embarrassment for President Obama? He’s going down to the Guadalajara to meet with leaders there and at this time, here he can’t even claim that the U.S. is delivering on its aid promises. MR. WOOD: Look, we’re working to try to deliver aid as quickly as possible to Mexico. The Merida Initiative is a very important policy objective for the United States. And what goes on on our southern border is very important. There are some challenges that the Mexican Government is having to deal with, and we’re having to deal with those challenges as well. And we want to do everything we can to support our friend. We also have responsibilities in terms of reporting to Congress, and we take those very seriously. And we’ve certainly been, as I said, working with the senator and his staff to see what we can do. But again, I just want to re-emphasize the report is in its draft stages, and we’re going to make sure that we can provide as comprehensive a report as possible to show Congress exactly what the Mexican Government is doing with regard to the rule of law and human rights vis-à-vis the security forces.
On Honduras and potential U.S. sanctions:
QUESTION: Have you made a decision on whether to impose additional sanctions on the de facto government? MR. WOOD: No decision has been made to do anything right now, other than support the San Jose Accords and the mediation process. ...what I can tell you is that the United States is doing everything it can to try to support the return to constitutional democratic order in the country. And we’re going to do what we think is best to try to move that process forward. ... where we’re focused right now is on supporting that process and trying to get the two parties to come to some sort of a political settlement. But beyond that, I don’t have anything to add on that question.
And finally, on Colombia:
The United States has no plans to put bases in Colombia.