MEDIA REACTION ON CAFTA, JUNE 20, 2003

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 001463

SIPDIS

FOR PD/WHA (MBUCKLEY); IIP/G/WHA DIPASQUALE; EB/EPPD DCLUNE;
USTR AGASH
INFO IIP/T/ES
EMBASSIES FOR PAOS, IOs,

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KPAO HO PA ETRD USTR
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON CAFTA, JUNE 20, 2003



1. Editorial on Tegucigalpa-based liberal daily "La Tribuna"
on 6/20 entitled "Kindergarten". "CAFTA negotiations have
encountered a serious obstacle because the Central American
countries have not been able to present a consistent
position, debilitating its already fragile negotiation
power, and evidencing the contradictions we face because we
do not want to understand the need to present ourselves as a
solid bloc."

"From the beginning, Central America should have worked in
an unified project, considering the regional needs and
proposals. Before initiating the negotiations with the other
counterpart, Central America must have agreed on a common
position."

"All these problems could have been easily avoided, because
from a good negotiation process we can come out with a CAFTA
with manageable disadvantages and far-reaching benefits for
everyone."


Palmer