President insists Mexico will not pay for Trump's wall

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto has again rejected US Donald Trump's demand that Mexico pay for a wall along the countries’ border, but he vowed to seek good relations with the US president-elect.


Hours after Mr Trump repeated his warnings against Mexico during a press conference, Mr Pena Nieto said his government will seek "open and complete negotiations" with the next US government.

"Everything that defines our bilateral relations is on the table, including security, migration and trade," he told an annual meeting of Mexican ambassadors at the National Palace.

"At no time will we accept anything that goes against our dignity as a country and our dignity as Mexicans," he said.

"It is obvious that we have some differences with the next government of the United States, like the issue of the wall that Mexico of course will not pay for," Mr Pena Nieto said as diplomats applauded.

"What I can assure you is that we will work to have a good relationship with the United States and its president."

Mr Trump said he could impose a "tax" on Mexico to fund the wall, which would first be paid for with funding arranged through the US Congress.
 [rte.ie]
12/1/17