Word: ftaa
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...total loss. Yes, the group of 34 nations didn't agree on a trading pact, a vision of Bush's Free Trade Agreement of the America. But they did agree to keep working, and that was a defeat for Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who vowed to bury the FTAA at this meeting...
...Bush and Chavez never spoke to one another. Chavez owned the streets, delivering an anti-American harangue to a rally of 25,000, but he never owned the Summit itself. Even the nations that oppose the FTAA in its present form-the Mercosur trading bloc which includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay-made it clear that they weren't opposed to some kind of agreement...
...downplaying the outcome of the Summit. They are instead encouraging the idea that the talking itself was a victory of sorts. Aboard Air Force One, National Security Adviser Steven Hadley told reporters that "It's not deadlocked." He added, "We went from a summit which was supposed to bury FTAA to a summit ... in which all 34 countries actually talk in terms of enhanced trade and an FTAA." That's putting a rosy tint on it, but for the administration it will have...
...part, President Vincente Fox of Mexico gave a nose count suggesting 29 of 34 nations assembled here still favor an FTAA even if major nations like Brazil, Venezuela and Argentina do not. The heads of state will issue a final communique soon, as they meet across town at the Hermitage Hotel, safely away from the protesters. As with all these kinds of events, U.S. officials will pour out of the meeting declaring whatever statement emerges as a major victory. Stay tuned...
...even sharper conflict is being stoked by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, an advocate of what he calls "21st century socialism." Chavez has come to the summit vowing to "bury" the FTAA, and he's even attending a counter summit of protestors opposing free trade. Indeed, thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets of Mar del Plata for the summit, far out of earshot, let alone sight, of the Sheraton Hotel where Mr. Bush is staying and holding many of his meetings. When I asked Bush at a quick press availability about how Americans should think of Chavez and what...