| | |  News Around the Republic of Mexico | July 2008 
Calderón Can't Avoid Juárez Violence in Visit
 Diana Washington Valdez - El Paso Times
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| | On a tour of this state, President Felipe Calderón declared Federal Government will continue supporting local authorities and citizens in Ciudad Juárez’s struggle to achieve safety in the streets and combat organized crime. (Presidencia de la República) | | |
El Paso - Three slayings occurred and a small group of protesters gathered Tuesday, the day Mexican President Felipe Calderón arrived for a visit in Juárez.
During his visit, Calderón praised maquiladoras and vowed to strengthen the nation's oil company and the city's security efforts.
Calderón helped inaugurate the second Electrolux assembly plant in the city, and also mentioned the recent maquiladora expansions announced by Ford and Foxconn, which may hire up to 20,000 to 30,000 border workers in the next four years.
"In 2007, Mexico captured nearly $24.7 billion dollars in direct foreign investment. Such investment, like that of Electrolux, generates employment and gives added value to our country," stated a transcript of his speech at the new Electrolux plant. "This is the largest direct foreign investment in the history of Mexico."
The president's entourage was accompanied by Chihuahua Gov. José Reyes Baeza Terrazas, Juárez Mayor José Reyes Ferriz and business leaders.
Calderón also touched on the federal government's role against organized crime, a theme on the minds of Juárez residents who have witnessed more than 600 slayings since January.
"The federal government responded to the community and Chihuahua state's plea for help with more than 4,000 soldiers and federal agents to fortify the citizenry," Calderón's transcript said.
He said the government appropriated an additional $10.4 million this year to beef up law enforcement in Juárez.
Shortly before Calderón's arrival, police said, a policewoman identified as Margarita Enriquez Franco was killed by armed men after she pulled over their vehicle, and later, two men were shot to death in separate attacks.
Protesters with the Revolutionary Democratic Party, or PRD, briefly blocked the president's caravan. They carried signs against the militarization of the city. The party also opposes privatizing the country's oil company, Petroleos Mexico, or Pemex.
Diana Washington Valdez may be reached at dvaldez(at)elpasotimes.com. |
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