President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s response was laconic but forceful, and he shook his head to confirm his refusal to release certain information about the arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.
The Secretary of Public Security, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, had asked him if he could release information about the arrest in the United States.
“No,” the President told him.
The Secretary had risen from her chair and before heading to the podium to comply with the President’s order to report on the Chapitos’ agreement with the United States justice system, she addressed the President. “Can I explain that we are already at the bottom of the matter?” could be heard.
After receiving López Obrador’s refusal and to the astonishment of the journalists present at the morning press conference at the National Palace, he said that it was better to consult before speaking.
The President realized that he had gotten her into trouble, approached her, extended his left hand and hugged her.
“No, look, she is the best there is as a public servant, but in this matter what we want, even though you are doing it legitimately, is your job, you are professional onlookers, you want more information, we have to take care until we have official information, because it is a delicate matter,” she said.
As he said this, he kept his hand on the shoulder of Rosa Icela Rodríguez, who, as head of the Security Cabinet, has had to report on the case despite the fact that the department under her charge does not combat drug trafficking organizations.
“Imagine if it is not delicate that, as was said here, we are talking about one of the most famous, traditional and long-standing groups that has been involved in illegal activities. We do not want a decision that was made in this regard, this agreement or non-agreement, to generate a greater internal conflict for us, since we have to protect, above all, the lives of Mexicans, all Mexicans. So we do not want to speculate, but rather we are going to act based on the information,” added the President.
“Well, you already said it, President,” said Rodriguez, who had taken a deep breath and swallowed during the President’s explanation.
“No, well (say) what they officially informed you and to the extent we have information,” López Obrador insisted.
Finally, Rosa Icela took the floor and reported that the agreement of Joaquín Guzmán López, son of Joaquín El Chapo Guzmán, included his brother Ovidio, who was in prison in Chicago and was released two days before the surrender.
Regarding the other circumstances, including why “El Mayo” was on the same plane, he said there has not yet been enough information.
#AMLO #stops #Rosa #Icela #tracks #Zambada #case
