MEDIA REACTION ON CAFTA, APRIL 6, 2005

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 000757 SIPDIS DEPT. FOR WHA/PD; IIP/G/WHA DIPASQUALE; AND IIP/T/ES DEPT. FOR EB/TPP DCLUNE, DRL/IL, WHA/EPSC AND WHA/CEN DEPT. PASS USTR DOL FOR ILAB E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KPAO ETRD ELAB HO USTR SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON CAFTA, APRIL 6, 2005 ¶1. Editorial in San Pedro Sula-based liberal daily "Tiempo" on 4/6, titled "CAFTA CA-USA-DR." "In Central America, the ratification of CAFTA by the region's congresses seems to be certain, despite the tenacious opposition of some popular sectors, especially labor unions. El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala have already ratified it, but Costa Rica, - where there's a strong opposition to it, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic haven't, although the last two countries don't appear to have much problem in doing so." "The most important country in this process is the U.S., whose Congress doesn't demonstrate clear support for CAFTA, although George W. Bush, who reportedly wants Congress to ratify it this year, is a strong CAFTA supporter." "For that reason, the lobbying process, carried out by the Central American presidents and other governmental officials in Washington is crucial, because ratification by the most important party to this agreement is still pending, and ratification by the U.S. is simply essential." "Recently, the Ministers of Labor in the region have done their share of the work, convincing the Americans of their commitment to implement labor laws which will protect the rights and needs of the Central American workers." Palmer