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