Ana Eiras News Today

Hl727_copy: Trade: A New Paradigm for U.S. Policy Toward Latin America

BG1521ES: Time to Change U.S. Strategy for the Andean Region

Don't Blame Capitalism, Argentina

By his visit to Mexico and first official trip to Central and SouthAmerica, President Bush can show that Latin America is once again aU.S. priority. He will have the opportunity to cement cooperationon common goals: bolstering hemispheric security, free trade, anddemocracy.

To help Argentina recover, the Bush Administration should hold backaid to Argentina and refrain from giving its support for additionalIMF funding until the Argentine government presents a crediblepro-growth plan.

The international community frequently demands that wealthy nationsincrease their development assistance to poor nations. The UnitedStates will provide additional assistance, but President Bush isalso prudently pursuing a system that measures the effectiveness ofaid.

The Bush Administration should be concerned about the potentialchaos in the Andean region and take immediate action to adjust itspolicies to address the many problems facing the region before theydeteriorate further.

Congress should act quickly on bilateral free trade agreementssigned between the United States and allies Peru and Colombia. Suchagreements benefit the economies of all partners and enhance agrowing free trade bloc. Extending trade preferences for a shorttime to Bolivia and Ecuador could sustain market openings whileleaders decide on permanent reciprocal agreements.

Helping Argentina Recover, Without IMF Help

Despite being billed as "Comprehensive Trade Negotiating AuthorityLegislation," H.R. 3019 is not a trade promotion authority bill. Inreality, it is designed to appeal to special interests and wouldactually inhibit the ability of the president to negotiate tradeagreements.