Tren Maya and Tulum Airport Classified as ‘National Security’ by AMLO

After the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation, the country’s highest court, invalidated the agreement through which President Andrés Manuel López Obrador sought to keep information about various public infrastructure projects in the country confidential, the Mexican president issued a new decree on “national security and public interest” for these projects on Thursday afternoon.

This was published by the Official Gazette of the Federation on their website: https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5689265&fecha=18/05/2023#gsc.tab=0

“The DECREE on the construction, operation, maintenance, infrastructure, spaces, public assets, execution, and management of transportation infrastructure, services, and development hubs for the well-being and equipment of both the Maya Train and the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, as well as the indicated airports, are deemed to be matters of national security and public interest,” states the public statement of the federation.

After outlining the reasons for “national security,” the president establishes in a Single Article: “The construction, operation, maintenance, infrastructure, spaces, public assets, execution, and management of transportation infrastructure, services, and development hubs for the well-being and equipment of both the Maya Train and the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, as well as the airports in Palenque, Chiapas; Chetumal, and Tulum, Quintana Roo, are considered matters of national security and public interest, as expressed in the considerations of this decree.”

“This decree comes into effect on the day of its publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation,” states the official document.

The legal document states that the Tehuantepec Isthmus Interoceanic Corridor, its logistics platform, and other infrastructure are strategically located due to their geographical position between the states of Oaxaca, Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave, Tabasco, and Chiapas. This location allows for the connection between the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean. It facilitates the transportation of goods from the ports of Coatzacoalcos and Salina Cruz directly to Puerto Chiapas, Ciudad Hidalgo in Chiapas, and even to Ciudad de Tecún Umán in Guatemala, and vice versa. This promotes the flow of goods not only within the isthmus region but also towards Central America through the “K” and “KA” lines. It is essential to exercise extreme care and vigilance in the transportation of hazardous substances along this corridor.

Regarding the airports, it is indicated that the airports of Palenque, Chiapas; Chetumal and Tulum, Quintana Roo, are strategically located for the surveillance and control of airspace in the southern border. This enables timely detection and interception of unidentified aircraft that may engage in illegal activities against national security and territorial integrity. Additionally, these airports are territorially and operationally complementary to the functioning and operation of the Tren Maya.

In summary, due to their geographical location and proximity, ensuring connectivity between the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the border area with Guatemala and Belize, these facilities play a complementary role in maintaining internal and national security. Considering the nature of their installations, it is appropriate to recognize the strategic and prioritized nature of the Tren Maya, the Tehuantepec Isthmus Interoceanic Corridor, and the international airports of Palenque, Chiapas; Chetumal and Tulum, Quintana Roo. Therefore, they are of public interest and national security.

According to Article 13, sections I, VI, and X of the National Security Law, the National Security Council is responsible for establishing and coordinating the national security policy. Its role includes integrating and coordinating efforts aimed at preserving the necessary measures for national security, as well as those established by other provisions or the President of the Republic.