Arturo Sarukhan, former Mexican consul in New York City, is a man to watch in the new Felipe Calderon administration, epecially as it concerns U.S.-Mexican relations.

Sarukhan was foreign policy coordinator for Calderon’s campaign and transition team, and was expected to be named Foreign Minister. But instead, the Foreign Minister portfolio has been given to Patricia Espinosa.

Sarukhan has been designated as the man responsible for managing Mexico’s relationship with the United States.

In a recent interview Sarukhan had this to say about his proposed strategy:

“Certainly the only way in which Mexico can advance a comprehensive agenda with the United States is if we use the (Mexican) embassy and the network of consulates as ‘beachheads’ of lobbying for the image, the interests and the agenda of Mexico in all of U.S. territory and with all sectors of American society.”

Sarukhan plans to insist on an amnesty for illegal Mexicans working in the U.S. and also work for a guest worker program. In order to accomplish this, Sarukhan plans to work with the U.S. Congress, American governors and local assemblies.

Definitely, we need to keep an eye on what this guy’s up to.