'No Easy Solution for Violence' Pena Nieto Says at Monterrey Peace Forum The News
go to original April 17, 2013

Peña Nieto led the National Forum for a Mexico in Peace, in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. (Presidency of the Republic)

When it comes to violence “there are no shortcuts or easy solutions,” President Enrique Peña Nieto said on Tuesday.

Peña Nieto spoke at the Mexico at Peace Forum in Monterrey, part of a series of regional consultations on the National Development Plan 2013-18, where he said that violence must be fought with devotion and respect for the law.

The president said that with the support of the people, the government’s National Security Strategy aims to reduce violence by enforcing the law. His administration’s priority, he added, is to safeguard the life, liberty and well-being of Mexicans.

He said it was urgent that Mexico combat all forms of organized crime and foster an environment of peace and harmony.

At least 60,000 deaths have been attributed to organized crime in Mexico since former President Felipe Calderón launched an offensive against criminal groups in December 2006, although some estimates put that figure much higher.

Peña Nieto distanced himself from his predecessor’s policy, saying, “What will truly contrast the government’s efforts with that of the previous administration will be results.”

Interior Secretary Miguel Ángel Osorio Chong also spoke at the forum, saying that the government would not allow people to take advantage of an environment of violence to carry out criminal acts.

In an apparent reference to protesting teachers in Guerrero, Osorio Chong added that “no one can attempt to resolve their demands in a way that affects the rights of others. No one’s rights are above those of Mexico and of all Mexicans.”

Peña Nieto also announced he would travel to Peru and participate in the Association of Caribbean Nations (AEC) meeting in Haiti later this month.

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