Main Uruguayan parties reject US FTA
Main Uruguayan Parties Reject US FTA
Montevideo, Aug 17 2006 (Prensa Latina) — The principal political parties and movements of Uruguay rejected possible signing of a free trade agreement with the US on Thursday.
Governing Frente Amplio’s leadership ratified their rejection Wednesday of such a Washington-imposed commitment within the Free Trade Area of the Americas.
On Thursday, the national leadership of Participacion Popular Movement (MPP, mainly made up of former National Liberation Movement, MLN-Tupamaros) publicly announced its rejection of any such accord.
According to local analysts, the current processes of bilateral agreements with the US signify the loss of basic concepts, such as the development of freedom of knowledge and national sovereignty.
The document released today stated that, for the sake of the country’s productive reconstruction and consolidation of the national government, nothing should compromise the union of political force and national interests.
Echoing this view, Uruguay’s Communist Party decried such accords with the US, as they affect national economy and relations with the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR).
The Socialist Party (PS) also urged a thorough analysis of all issues presented by government.
The PS supports Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez in his effort to find, as far as possible, increased insertion of Uruguay internationally, whether with China, India or other countries.
They also support PS president, current Foreign Minister Reinaldo Gargano, who is under strong criticism by the opposition.
Gargano has expressed his opposition to any FTA with the US, as they interfere with sensitive matters, including national sovereignty, patents and pharmaceuticals.
