Mexico seeks to Reduce Violence and Improve Social Conditions

Presidency of the Republic

Noting that the sovereignty and security of Mexico must always be protected, President Enrique Peña Nieto said that, in some areas of the country, organized crime still threatens our society, and in these areas, “The Mexican State has been joining forces to reduce violence and create better conditions for social coexistence.”

He said that, “Today our armed forces continue to struggle determinedly to safeguard the integrity of our territory, to defeat Mexicans’ enemies.”

“We will continue combining efforts, wills and resources to move towards a Mexico in peace where order, law and justice will prevail,” he declared.

In the pledge of allegiance ceremony of the First Year Cadets, Class of 2014-2019 of the Heroic Naval Academy, during which he was accompanied by his wife, Angélica Rivera Peña, the president announced specific data, “Which suggest we are on the right track.”

“In the first quarter of this year, previous investigations on intentional homicides are down 27 percent compared to the same period in 2012. In the first three months of this year, allegations of kidnapping were down nearly 24 percent in the country, compared to the same quarter in 2012. It should also be noted that 93 of the 122 most dangerous criminals in the country have been arrested or in some cases killed,” he said.

“These are telling examples that there have been positive results and significant attacks on the command structures of all the organized crime groups operating in the country,” he said.

He said that these events “encourage us to remain vigilant and continue teaming up the various levels of government and society in general to consolidate these trends.”

President Peña Nieto thanked members of the federal forces, whose work has reduced violence. In particular, he said, “I congratulate members of the Navy and Army for supporting this institutional effort.”

“As president, I am honored and proud to command the Armed Forces of Mexico. Now as in the past, the Navy, Army and Air Force are essential institutions for the peace, security and progress of our country,” he said.

The president explained to the freshmen cadets that, “When you swear allegiance to the flag you accept the challenge of continuing to train with absolute devotion, study hard, and take the lead in naval techniques, science and technology. The training you receive here trains you in the use of intelligence systems, in the mastery of military strategy and tactics to deal more effectively with the nation’s enemies.”

“You will be guarantors of Mexicans’ peace and tranquility, you will protect our laws and institutions, you will be a shield to protect national independence and sovereignty,” he said.

He explained that in order for them to develop their knowledge and skills, the Heroic Naval Academy is being constantly renewed and updated; proof of this are the modern Maritime and Air Navigation simulators, which he handed over to the students at this campus.

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"The Mexican State joins forces to reduce violence and create better conditions for social coexistence: Enrique Peña Nieto," Apr. 22, 2015, Presidency of the Republic, Mexico, DF; translation by Presidency of the Republic