September 10, 2007

PEMEX Explosions: Message from Mexican President

Presidency of the Republic

In the wake of the crimes committed a few hours ago on the PEMEX facilities in the state of Veracruz, my government repudiates and strongly condemns these and all acts of violence and those that commit or promote them in Mexico and elsewhere in the world.

These criminal acts jeopardize Mexicans’ security and national heritage.  In the democratic Mexico of today, there is no place for these criminal acts. Causes are defended within the framework of the law, not by destroying the heritage Mexicans have created through great effort.

That is why I say that those that attack Mexicans' security for any case are attacking democracy and Mexico.

I have given instructions to the members of my cabinet who are currently gathered together in the Security Cabinet to take the appropriate preventive measures and restore the country's supplies in the damaged facilities.

I would like to make an urgent call to the representatives of the Legislative and Judicial branches, the political parties, civil organizations, the media and all Mexicans to join forces and condemn these criminal acts that harm everyone's lives and assets.

We will obviously take strong measures against those responsible and will not rest until we find them and bring them to justice. Today, more than ever, it is essential to provide both legal and financial reinforcement for national security organizations and the state’s intelligence and investigation corps, increase the operating capacity of our corporations and authorize government bodies to investigate, provide follow-up and information on the risks and dangers for National Security and Mexicans' security.

That is what I respectfully ask Congress and all the political actors to reinforce the state's capacity for prevention and response through the Expenditure Budget, already under discussion, and through the security and justice reforms I have already submitted to the Senate.

Federal Government will take forceful measures against those that attack national security and wish to harm the Mexican state.

Strategic installations and the PEMEX facilities belong to the people of Mexico: those that break the law, attacking institutions and our assets deal a severe blow to Mexicans, particularly to those that need everyone's resources most, namely the poorest sectors.

That is why I condemn these events and urge Mexicans to condemn these acts that have been perpetrated in Mexico and to condemn any acts of violence.

Today I paid homage, on behalf of Mexico to the father of India as well as the founder of non-violence in the world, Mahatma Gandhi. I invoke the memory of this unusual man, the strength of the pacifists that led him to liberate this great country and I invite everyone to categorically reject violence, since, as Gandhi said, “Destroy and you will cause permanent damage.”

I invite you to reinforce the paths of peace and let us categorically close the paths of hate.  That is why my government repeats its willingness to engage in constructive dialog, and its call to reinforce the country's institutions and ensure the preservation of democratic life by those that believe in it, and at the same time reject anyone who wishes to impose his ideas on others by force.

That is why, in fulfillment of its duty to the Mexican state it will pursue and punish with the full weight of the law all those that commit crimes and attack Mexicans' peaceful coexistence.

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(Press Release: Presidency of the Republic, September 10, 2007, Mexico City)

 

–  Presidency of the Republic translation