1944 Water Treaty

Water Debt: Secretary Rice announced in Mexico City that "In the spirit of effective bilateral cooperation, I am pleased that we have reached a mutual understanding on the transfer of a sum of water that will cover Mexico's debt to the United States under our 1944 Water Treaty, thus ensuring continued cooperation in the management of precious natural resources to the mutual benefit of both economies."

Mexico ended the prior two water accounting cycles (1992-2002) with a cumulative deficit of over 1.3 million acre-feet (A/F). As of October 1, 2004, the deficit had been reduced to 716,670 A/F.

We have reached agreement in principle with Mexico on a plan whereby Mexico will provide sufficient water to cover the outstanding deficit no later than the end of September 2005. This water is in addition to the minimum annual average of 350,000 A/F required under the treaty.

An exchange of diplomatic notes will formalize the understanding of the two governments in this regard. Mexico has met the minimum average volume required under the treaty in the first two years of the current water accounting cycle (2002-2007), and as of February 26 had delivered 125,840 A/F to be applied to the treaty requirement for year three of the current cycle. We anticipate Mexico will deliver an additional 224,160 A/F of water from the measured treaty tributaries before the third year closes at the end of September.

2005/T3-2 Released on March 10, 2005 Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesman Mexico City, Mexico March 10, 2005

Madrid Bombing Anniversary

Madrid Bombing Anniversary Secretary Condoleezza Rice Mexico City, Mexico March 10, 2005

I wish to convey my most heartfelt sympathies and those of the American people as Spain commemorates the loss and devastation of so many lives in the terrorist attacks of March 11, 2004. Both the American and Spanish people have felt the pain and grief inflicted by terrorists, whose cowardly and heinous acts are anathema to all those who embrace freedom and tolerance.

The United States and Spain share not only the grief inflicted by a common enemy, but the resolve to combat and defeat the scourge of terrorism on all fronts, at home and abroad. Our resolve is a reflection of all that we share--our love of liberty, our abiding respect for human dignity, our friendship.

I pray that international solidarity in confronting terrorism may bring a measure of solace to the survivors and families of those who perished in Madrid, just as the support of the Spanish people gave comfort and courage to the victims of September 11, 2001.

The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with Spain on this solemn anniversary.

2005/T3-1 Released on March 10, 2005