Mexican President Reiterates: We Will Not Pay for the Wall at the US-Mexico Border

Enrique Peña Nieto, the President of Mexico, on Wednesday reacted to Donald Trump's order for the construction of a wall at the US-Mexico border by stating once again that his country will not pay for the wall's construction. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, issued an executive order on Wednesday for the construction of the wall between the two countries, claiming that operations would begin within a few months and that Mexico would pay 100% of the costs. In a video message posted on Twitter, Peña Nieto said, 'I have said it many times and I will say it again, Mexico will not pay for any wall.' However, the Mexican President clarified that he is awaiting the outcome of negotiations by his country's delegation in Washington. This delegation arrived in Washington on Wednesday and is set to negotiate with representatives of the Trump administration. According to the Associated Press, Peña Nieto stated, 'Based on the reports from the Mexican delegation currently in Washington, I will decide on the next steps.' He expressed regret over Trump's order to build the wall. In the video message, he also extended a hand of friendship to the American people and expressed hope for reaching an agreement with the US government that would benefit the people of Mexico. Meanwhile, Mexican government officials indicated that Peña Nieto might cancel his upcoming trip to Washington. Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a rival of the Mexican President, has urged the government to file a complaint against Trump's action to the United Nations. According to Reuters, López Obrador, who has run for the presidency of Mexico twice, stated, 'I urge the Mexican government to submit a complaint against the US for human rights violations and racial discrimination.' The Mexican President had previously stated on January 22 of this year that his country would not pay for the construction of the wall at the US border. According to Reuters, the United States shares over 3,200 kilometers of border with Mexico, and Trump had promised during his campaign to build a wall to prevent illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the country.