Mexico cancels events in France over diplomatic row

The Mexican government announced on Monday that it will pull out of planned year of special events in France, following statements by French President Nicolas Sarkozy over a Frenchwoman serving a long prison sentence on kidnapping charges.

AFP PHOTO PHILIPPE HUGUEN

French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday said he would dedicate the joint cultural Year of Mexico celebrations to Florence Cassez, a Frenchwoman arrested five years ago in Mexico who began serving a 60-year sentence in 2009.

"In light of Sarkozy's statement, Mexico considers that the appropriate conditions do not exist for Year of Mexico celebrations to happen in France," the Mexican foreign ministry said in a statement.

On Tuesday, ambassador Carlos De Icaza said Mexico was prepared to participate in the events - but onlu on condition that they have no link with Cassez.

But Sarkozy referred to the case agin on Tuesday.

"France is determined to resolve the humanitarian problem of Florence Cassez," he declared.

Sarkozy's comment renew ongoing tensions about France's request to transfer Cassez to France.

Last Thursday, a Mexican court rejected appeals from Cassez's defense team and upheld the sentence on her conviction on charges of kidnapping, carrying weapons and participating in organised crime.

Benoit Hamon, Socialist Party spokesperson, said France is right to pressure the Mexican government concerning the affair.

"The Mexican government is preoccupied with its internal political situation and spoke with Mexicans before speaking with France," he said.

"I hope that discussions will happen in one way or another at least to allow Florence Cassez to serve her sentence in France."