Published: 10:49, June 7, 2024
Mexican leader wants US to negotiate migrant deportations directly with third countries
By Xinhua
This handout photo released by Mexico's National Palace press office shows Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador speaking during his usual morning press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City on June 3, 2024. (PHOTO /  MEXICAN PRESIDENCY VIA AFP) 

MEXICO CITY - The United States should negotiate deportations of undocumented migrants directly with the third countries they come from, including Cuba and Venezuela, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Thursday.

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During his daily press conference, the president acknowledged that Washington has poor relations with those countries, but said talks on immigration could help improve ties.

As a transit route for migrants of different nationalities attempting to reach the United States, Mexico is deeply impacted by any changes in US immigration policy, especially along its northern border

"Since we have very good relations with everyone, we have agreements and we can send migrants from Mexico to any country," Lopez Obrador told reporters at the National Palace in Mexico City.

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However, "we want them to reach agreements, for the United States to reach an agreement with Cuba, to begin a bilateral dialogue," he said, also mentioning Venezuela.

It was the second day in a row Lopez Obrador broached the topic of immigration after US President Joe Biden signed an executive order earlier this week severely limiting the number of people who can cross the US-Mexico border to apply for asylum in the United States.

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As a transit route for migrants of different nationalities attempting to reach the United States, Mexico is deeply impacted by any changes in US immigration policy, especially along its northern border.