Mexico Agrees to Provide Water to U.S. Amidst Diplomatic Tensions

Mexico has agreed to send water to the U.S. to fulfill treaty obligations amid escalating tensions due to Trump’s tariff threats. The move is intended to address water shortages in Texas and foster long-term cooperation under the 1944 agreement.

Mexico City has reached an agreement with the United States to send water immediately, easing a tense diplomatic situation that had escalated recently. This decision follows threats from President Donald Trump to impose additional tariffs unless Mexico complied with its obligations outlined in a treaty dating back to 1944. Trump accused Mexico of “stealing” water intended for farmers in Texas, further igniting disputes between the two nations.

Under the 1944 treaty, water from the Colorado River is shared between the United States and Mexico in exchange for flows from the Rio Grande, a crucial water source and border between the countries. The foreign ministry of Mexico announced they would start immediate transfers from the Rio Grande and that additional supplies would be sent during the upcoming rainy season, emphasizing their commitment to fulfilling treaty requirements.

The U.S. State Department welcomed this development, highlighting its importance for farmers, ranchers, and municipalities in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley. They noted that the agreement would aid in addressing the current shortfalls in water delivery under the existing treaty. Additionally, they expressed gratitude toward Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for her involvement in resolving the issue.

The two nations also committed to formulating a robust long-term strategy to meet treaty obligations more reliably while tackling any outstanding water debts. As the current treaty cycle nears its expiration in October, Mexico reportedly owed over 1.55 billion cubic meters of water to the United States, an unprecedented amount detailed by the two countries’ water commission.

Previously, on March 20, the U.S. had denied a request from Mexico regarding the special delivery of water owing to the ongoing shortfalls. Tensions heighten with the backdrop of trade disputes and an increased demand for Mexico’s action against undocumented migration and drug trafficking. The Colorado River continues to experience dwindling water levels due to ongoing drought conditions and high agricultural consumption in the Southwestern United States, which has amplified concerns among U.S. farmers and lawmakers.

In recent history, the issue has been fraught; in 2020, tensions escalated when farmers in Chihuahua seized a dam to block water from being sent to the U.S., resulting in clashes that tragically led to one death. This illustrates the ongoing struggles in managing water resources between these two nations, as drought concerns mount in the region.

In sum, the agreement reached between Mexico and the United States to send water is seen as a critical resolution amidst mounting tensions. Trump’s pressure for compliance under the 1944 treaty has led to this swift action to alleviate shortfalls, particularly crucial for agricultural needs in Texas. Both countries appear committed to working together to ensure water resource management continues sustainably into the future. As drought conditions persist, this issue will likely remain at the center of diplomatic discussions.

Original Source: www.france24.com