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Mexican workers stand behind Argentine free trade deal rejection
1 December 2005
 |  | | Benito Bahena speaking at the ITF regional conference | |
In a gesture of solidarity with their Argentine colleagues, Mexican transport workers have lent their voice to a rejection of unfettered free trade in the Americas.
During the opening ceremony of the ITF's Latin American and Caribbean regional conference in Buenos Aires on 22 November, Benito Bahena of the Alianza de Tranviários de México (ATM) told some 200 delegates from 18 countries: "We workers in Mexico (...) congratulate you on your stance during the recent Summit of Americas. The Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) represents indiscriminate plundering and removes the right to countries' equitable development." This position, he said, stood in conflict with that of Mexican President Vicente Fox. He also handed over a letter of support to Nestor Carlos Kirchner, President of Argentina.
Tovar Nunes, Chief Negotiator of the FTAA Division of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, added his own critique of the FTAA on the following day of conference. Nunes presented an analysis of the negotiations and praised the position of the Mexican workers. He also acknowledged Kirchner for rejecting the FTAA.
Asked about the possibility of holding referenda to approve or reject the FTAA, Nunes declared: "The streets will decide the fate of FTAA, not a referendum". The Brazilian government did not oppose economic integration treaties, he explained. The country's position could be favourable - provided that the treaty was democratic, fair and supportive, taking into account differences and ending the subsidies that affect free trade. This, he insisted, was not the case with the FTAA.
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