Didn’t discuss border wall with Trump: Mexico president
We discussed possibility of joint programme for development, jobs: Obrador
MEXICO CITY: Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Thursdaythathedidnotdiscusstheus administration’s proposed border wall when he spoke with President Donald Trump this week about migration.
“We have not discussed that issue, in any conversation .... It was a respectful and friendly conversation,” Lopez Obrador told reporters following a tweet in which the US president said a new trade deal with Mexico and Canada would cover the cost of a wall.
The two leaders spoke by telephone on Wednesday.
Lopez Obrador said they discussed the possibility of creating a joint programme for development and job creation in Central America and Mexico.
Lopez Obrador said he also discussed a possiblemeetingwithtrumpinwashington.
“He invited me. I’m also able to go to Washington, but I think that both for him and for us there must be a reason and I think the most important thing would be to sign this agreement or meet with that purpose,” said Lopez Obrador.
Trump had openly fought with the top two Democratic lawmakers at an Oval Of- ice meeting on Tuesday about government funding, throwing into question whether a deal was possible ahead of a deadline later this month.
In a remarkable public argument, the likes of which is seldom seen before cameras, Trump bickered with US Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi about funding for the wall he has promised to build on the southern border with Mexico.
“If we don’t get what we want, one way or the other - whether it’s through you, through a military, through anything you want to call - I will shut down the government,” Trump said as the heated argument drew near a close.
“Iamproudtoshutdownthegovernment for border security, Chuck, because the people of this country don’t want criminals and people that have lots of problems and drugs pouring into our country,” he said before reporters left the room.
Trump has asked for $5 billion, while Schumer and Pelosi were expected to offer just $1.3 billion for border security in a package to extend funding for the Department of Homeland Security until Sept.30.
Meanwhile, dozens of retired state and federal judges called on Wednesday on US immigration oficials to stop making arrests at courthouses of people suspected of being in the country illegally, saying immigrants should be free to visit halls of justice without fearing they will be detained.