Barack Obama’s representative in Mexico for the past four years, Anthony Wayne, leaves his post next week to begin a new “academic” career in the United States.
In a final interview with El Universal, the outgoing U.S. ambassador spoke at length about the “positive evolution” of the bilateral relationship under his watch. Wayne highlighted the many areas of cooperation – and increasing number of institutions and mechanisms for dialogue – that now exist between the United States and Mexico. Significant collaboration can now be seen in areas such as education, migration, economic development, the environment and much more, he told the Mexico City daily.
One set of issues, however, seemed to dominate the interview: law and order, the fight against organized crime and corruption.
Admitting he was “sad and disappointed” when Joaquin “Chapo” Guzman escaped from a maximum security prison recently, Wayne nonetheless was reluctant to criticize Mexico for failing to extradite the drug capo to the United States. “I am not going to judge. It was a legitimate decision for Mexico and the task is now to recapture him.”
Wayne affirmed that law enforcement agencies in both counties hold “regular conversations” and he saw no reason not to believe Guzman would soon be reprehended, something he said was “important for both societies.”The career diplomat said he believes “strengthening institutions” is the principal way Mexico will create a safer and more just society. The introduction of oral trials is an important step that will not only make the judicial system more efficient but provide “greater respect for human rights and better justice for victims.”
Wayne called the battle against corruption “a constant struggle” that even the United States must wage on a daily basis. He said U.S. authorities are willing to assist, but stressed that at the end of the day eliminating corruption is something Mexico and its institutions must confront on their own. “There are many studies that highlight the cost of corruption on the Mexican economy, and many surveys that indicate that Mexicans are not happy with the current situation.”
Wayne described as “positive” the slew of legislative reforms passed at the beginning of the Enrique Peña Nieto administration. In the long-term, the educational reforms designed to improve the quality of teaching would be “vital,” he suggested. The opening up of the nation’s oil industry to private investment would also be of “much benefit” in the future.
Reflecting that his job can include both “good and bad days,” Wayne said he has been “inspired” by the young people he has met, as well as the innovators and those “committed to improving life and society in Mexico.
“Without doubt, there are many more good days,” he concluded.{/access}