Macron Criticizes U.S. 'Anti-Drug' Actions, Emphasizing Respect for Sovereignty

French President Emmanuel Macron visited Mexico on Friday, November 7. During his visit, he was asked about the recent U.S. actions in Latin American waters, where American forces have been sinking alleged 'drug trafficking ships.' Macron emphasized that efforts to combat drug trafficking must respect the sovereignty of nations.

According to Xinhua News Agency, Mexican President Sin Baum and Macron held a joint press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City. A reporter asked Macron about U.S. President Trump's recent remarks, in which he labeled individuals on the so-called 'drug ships' as 'terrorists,' as well as the related military actions. Macron responded, 'France respects the sovereignty of every nation. As I said to President Sin Baum, combating drug trafficking is a shared responsibility.'

Macron added that while France and Mexico can cooperate in the fight against drug trafficking, the sovereignty of all nations must be absolutely respected under any circumstances. French media interpreted Macron's remarks as implicit criticism of U.S. 'anti-drug' operations in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean.

Further Reading: - A United Nations expert stated that U.S. actions against alleged 'drug ships' in international waters amount to extrajudicial executions. - The U.S. military recently destroyed another 'drug ship' off the coast of Venezuela, resulting in six deaths. - The controversial U.S. 'anti-drug ship' operations have so far destroyed at least 18 vessels, including 17 speedboats and one semi-submersible craft, killing at least 70 people. However, Washington has yet to provide any concrete evidence proving that these targeted ships were indeed engaged in drug smuggling or posed a threat to the United States. - United Nations experts argue that the use of lethal force in international waters without proper legal justification is equivalent to extrajudicial executions.