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Mexico condemns US spying on its citizens
October 21, 2013, 5:37 am

Former President Felipe Calderon's email was allegedly hacked by the NSA [Getty Image]

Former President Felipe Calderon’s email was allegedly hacked by the NSA [Getty Image]

US ties with its southern neighbours took another blow on Sunday when the Mexican government accused Washington’s intelligence networks of allegedly spying on the country’s institutions, citizens, and leadership.

The diplomatic upset came after German news magazine Der Spiegel published leaked documents provided by whistle-blower Edward Snowden reportedly showing how the (NSA) hacked the email address of then President Felipe Calderon.

“This practice is unacceptable, unlawful and is contrary to Mexican law and international law,” a statement from the Mexican foreign ministry said.

This was the second time that Mexico complained to Washington about its overseas spying programme.

The statement went on to say that US President Barack Obama had promised his Mexican counterpart President Enrique Pena Niety to conduct a thorough investigation into how the NSA gathered information.

Obama made a similar pledge to Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff over charges that the NSA had spied on that country’s industry, business sector and citizens – including the leadership.

In September, Brazil responded firmly to revelations it was a target of NSA spying. Rousseff canceled a previously scheduled official state visit to the US and during the General Assembly two weeks ago accused Washington of being in breach of international law.

Source: Agencies