Mexican ambassador Francisco Javier Barrio Terrazas shakes hands with Governor General Michaelle Jean after presenting his credentials during a ceremony in Ottawa Thursday Feb. 26, 2009. (THE CANADIAN PRESS / Adrian Wyld)
Controversy greets new Mexican ambassador
Updated Thu. Feb. 26 2009 1:31 PM ET
The Canadian Press
OTTAWA -- Rights organizations in Canada and Mexico are protesting the arrival of Mexico's new ambassador to Canada.
Francisco Barrio Terrazas comes to Ottawa with baggage. He was governor of the state of Chihuahua at a time when hundreds of women were raped and murdered in the industrial city of Juarez.
He refused for years to mount an inquiry, and suggested the attacks were not surprising because the victims walked in dark places at night and wore provocative clothing.
The Quebec Federation of Women has written Prime Minister Stephen Harper about their concerns over Barrio Terrazas.
The main rights organization in Juarez, Bring our Daughters Home, has also criticized the former governor's appointment.
Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean received the ambassador's credentials at a customary ceremony today.
In a brief speech, she referred to the shared commitment between Canada and Mexico to promote the values of human dignity and equality between men and women.
