Mexico has agreed to provide water to the U.S. amid tensions over a treaty. This comes after President Trump threatened tariffs, accusing Mexico of not fulfilling its commitments. The deal includes immediate transfers of water and future plans to ensure compliance with treaty obligations, benefiting farmers in Texas.
Mexico has made a commitment to send water to the United States as part of an effort to resolve lingering shortages associated with a historic treaty. This agreement, announced on Monday, followed a warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested there would be additional tariffs should Mexico not fulfill its water-sharing obligations. Trump asserted that Mexico was somehow “stealing” water from farmers in Texas, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The treaty in question, established in 1944, requires the United States and Mexico to share water resources from the Colorado River and the Rio Grande. Mexico’s foreign ministry stated that it would immediately provide water from the Rio Grande and also intends to make additional transfers during the upcoming rainy season. This move reflects Mexico’s commitment to the stipulations outlined in the treaty, which has significantly aided the development along Mexico’s northern border.
The U.S. State Department expressed its approval of the agreement, noting that it would aid American farmers and municipalities in Texas dealing with water shortages. They specifically acknowledged Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for her efforts in bridging the two nations’ differences. Furthermore, both nations have pledged to formulate a long-term strategy to consistently meet treaty demands while also addressing any remaining water debts.
As the current treaty cycle approaches its end in October, Mexico is said to owe over 1.55 billion cubic meters of water to the United States. This dispute is set against the backdrop of heightened tensions arising from various issues, such as Trump’s ongoing global trade conflicts and demands for Mexico to tackle illegal immigration and drug trafficking more aggressively.
Meanwhile, the Colorado River has been experiencing significant water level declines, largely attributed to drought conditions and intense agricultural usage. U.S. farmers and local officials have noted frustrations over Mexico’s past responses, believing that Mexico has delayed addressing their obligations until the end of each cycle. On the other hand, Mexico claims extreme drought in the Rio Grande basin for the last two decades has severely limited water availability.
There have been flashpoints in the past; for example, in 2020, farmers in Chihuahua took drastic action by seizing a dam to prevent water from being sent to the U.S. from a reservoir, which led to violent clashes with the National Guard that ultimately resulted in a civilian death.
In summary, Mexico has agreed to send water to the United States in response to President Trump’s tariffs threat, addressing a longstanding bilateral dispute over a water-sharing treaty. The pledge includes immediate water transfers from the Rio Grande, alongside commitments for future deliveries. The agreement is crucial for U.S. farmers and municipalities facing water shortages, while also reflecting the intricate relationship between both nations regarding agricultural resources and treaty obligations.
Original Source: www.france24.com
