US President Donald Trump is demanding that the Mexican government fulfill its water delivery obligations to the United States, and that for the 2020-2025 cycle it cover the deficit of 865,000 acre-feet (more than 1.066 billion cubic meters) under the 2025-2030 cycle.
Through the State Department, the Trump administration emphasized this demand following a meeting with representatives of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government to try to resolve differences regarding commitments under the 1944 Treaty.
“This includes a reliable plan that meets water requirements and demands, taking into consideration the needs of users in the state of Texas,” the State Department stated in a press release.
The Trump administration argues that, due to the Mexican government’s noncompliance with the 1944 Water Treaty, the state of Texas is suffering from a water shortage that is significantly impacting agriculture and the economy of the state that borders Mexico.
“Mexico’s failure to deliver water has exacerbated the water shortage in Texas and contributed to the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in crops for farmers. President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have been clear with Mexico that it must comply with its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty,” the statement emphasizes.
The issue, although not frequently mentioned, was used by Trump as part of his electoral platform during his presidential campaign, which led to his return as President of the United States.
“We remain committed to working with Mexico to resolve this matter through diplomatic channels while we continue to evaluate all available options to ensure that Mexico meets its water delivery obligations,” the document adds.
For the meeting with representatives of the Mexican government within the framework of the International Boundary and Water Commission, the United States government was represented by senior officials from the White House, the State Department, and the Department of Agriculture.
“The officials reviewed water resources, and the United States pressed for the maximum possible deliveries from Mexico to the state of Texas, requesting additional information to reconvene and consider further options,” the State Department concluded.
Source: proceso
