Mexican president recognizes Pedro Castillo as Peru's lawful leader

MEXICO CITY

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Tuesday that Mexico recognizes Pedro Castillo as president of Peru.

Lopez Obrador said at a news conference that the decision behind Castillo's removal was grounded in anti-democratic flaws. He said the former school teacher was democratically elected and his term should be respected.

"The President won. The agreement states that the will of the people who elected him must be respected, recognizing that he won democratically and that he cannot be removed from office. Although this (the ouster) is in the Peruvian Constitution, it has a problem, an anti-democratic flaw," said Lopez Obrador.

He denied his government would recognize Dina Boluarte, the president elected by Congress, as the legitimate leader, saying that recognition of presidents has served as a tool for legitimizing leaders imposed by violent and undemocratic means, such as coups.

"There is no such thing as recognition in Mexican diplomacy. It is contrary to our foreign policy principles," he said.

Castillo was removed from office Dec. 7 by Congress, following his attempt to dissolve parliament. He was apprehended under charges of rebellion and conspiracy.

Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Bolivia issued a statement urging the restitution and liberation of Castillo.
Spirited protests have been sparked across the country following Castillo's arrest, with demonstrators urging Boluarte to step down from office.

Seven demonstrators have died since the start of the political crisis.