Trade deal with Latin America comes amid strained relations

The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer ^ | Thursday, June 05, 2003 | RAFAEL LORENTE - South Florida Sun-Sentinel

[Willie Green]

WASHINGTON - (KRT) - The United States and Chile are preparing to sign a historic free-trade agreement in Miami on Friday, but that pact will come as relations between Washington and Latin America have become distant, at best, and in some cases are in a deep freeze.

Friday's trade deal signing, between an American trade representative and Chile's foreign minister, probably would have been conducted in Washington with more fanfare if Chile hadn't joined Mexico earlier this year in refusing to endorse U.S. military action against Iraq at the United Nations.

[Willie Green]

Some observers believe the lack of American engagement and the minimal repercussions for Chile and Mexico's opposition to war in Iraq has emboldened Latin American leaders to drive their own independent agenda.

So much for "you're either with us or against us".

Looks like it's back to business as usual: screw the American worker consumer.

[Alberta's Child]

Dear United States:

What is the purpose of signing a free-trade agreement with you if you consistently violate those agreement by imposing tariffs on Canadian lumber, European and Asian steel, sugar from the Dominican Republic, etc.?

Sincerely,

[enter name of Latin American country here]

[WRhine]

Trade deal with Latin America comes amid strained relations

Since when has "strained relations" ever stopped our One World Leadership from signing (so-called) "Free" Trade Agreements? In fact, it seems that the worse our relations are with a country the better the chance these Industry Destroying trade deals get passed.

[TheWillardHotel]

Free trade has been show to work within the borders of the USA. I think it could be extended ( perhaps ) to other English speaking countries ( maybe select parts of the non English speaking world ).

Elsewhere, forget it! They don't play by the same rules.

Also, I don't trust the cabal in Washington.