Mr George Bush says he "respects" Mexican President Mr Vicente Fox's decision to cancel a visit to his ranch in Crawford, Texas, in protest at the execution of a Mexican in that state.
A statement read in Mexico City by a presidential
spokesman stated the cancellation of Fox's August 26th-28th visit to Texas was "a show of unequivocal repudiation of the execution of Mexican Javier Suarez Medina".
Mr Suarez (33) was executed yesterday by lethal injection in Huntsville for the 1988 murder of an undercover police officer in Dallas, Texas. His execution was carried out despite pleas from Mr Fox, the European Union and international organisations, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs Mary Robinson.
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"We understand President Fox is unable to meet with President Bush while President Bush is in Crawford," said White House spokesman Mr Jimmy Orr.
"President Bush respects President Fox's decision and the two have an excellent relationship and a strong friendship. It reflects the deep bond between the two countries," Mr Orr said. "President Bush looks forward to his next meeting with President Fox".
Mr Bush and Mr Fox are scheduled to meet in October at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC), which will be hosted by Mexico.
AFP