Move slammed as 'step backward'

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Thursday called the authorization to build a new border wall and other barriers in South Texas a "setback" in the United States' immigration policy.

"This authorization for the construction of the wall is a step backward, because it does not solve the (immigration) problem. The causes must be addressed," Lopez Obrador said during his daily news conference.

"I understand that there is great pressure from extreme right-wing political groups in the United States, especially those who want to take advantage of the migratory phenomenon and drug consumption for electoral purposes."

Lopez Obrador emphasized that Mexico "is open to dealing with conflicts and controversies through dialogue, without the use of force or coercive measures".

Xinhua