If I remember correctly, Mexico claims that 51 Mexican nationals were denied their right to speak to the Mexican consulate when they were arrested. Bush wants the states to review each of their trials, convictions, etc.
Here is Bush's statement from February of 2005 regarding this.
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 28, 2005Memorandum for the Attorney General
SUBJECT: Compliance with the Decision of the International Court of Justice in Avena
The United States is a party to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (the "Convention") and the Convention's Optional Protocol Concerning the Compulsory Settlement of Disputes (Optional Protocol), which gives the International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction to decide disputes concerning the "interpretation and application" of the Convention.
I have determined, pursuant to the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the United States will discharge its international obligations under the decision of the International Court of Justice in the Case Concerning Avena and Other Mexican Nationals (Mexico v. United States of America) (Avena), 2004 ICJ 128 (Mar. 31), by having State courts give effect to the decision in accordance with general principles of comity in cases filed by the 51 Mexican nationals addressed in that decision.
GEORGE W. BUSH
"Compliance serves to protect the interests of United States citizens abroad, promotes the effective conduct of foreign relations, and underscores the United States’ commitment in the international community to the rule of law....Consular assistance is a vital safeguard for Americans abroad, and the government has determined that, unless the United States fulfills its international obligation to achieve compliance with the ICJ Avena decision, its ability to secure such assistance could be adversely affected."
Having been an American that lived abroad for over 5 years, seems pretty important.
I hate to defend Bush on this, but this is what happens when America signs treaties we follow but other nations don’t.
Thank you for the information. He should tell that to the surviving family members of the babies killed by the Mexicans.
Someone said earlier, here, that ‘he has an agenda’. Well, he certainly does, and it does not include the sovereignty of our country or upholding the Constitution. I am so furious I surprise myself!