Living in Peru : your everyday companion

(LIP-jl) -- Peruvian President Alan Garcia, with Peruvian Chancellor Jose Antonio Garcia Belaunde at his side, arrived in the United States yesterday to spearhead Peru's efforts in obtaining a positive outcome in free trade talks between both countries.

"I will travel in just a few moments accompanied by the Chancellor to fortify our possibilities to achieve an FTA approval," stated Garcia moments before he departed Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport yesterday.

Today Garcia will meet with United States President George W. Bush, along with key U.S. figures such as U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and Carlos M. Gutierrez.

Additionally, the Peruvian leader is scheduled to dialogue with 40 U.S. congressmen.

Garcia expressed the importance of ratifying the FTA between the U.S. and Peru as it will be a major indicator of Latin America's future.

"We are now defining the future of Latin America and more specifically, South America. If the Peruvian democratic model, fused with investments and free trade, functions other countries in the region will surely follow the same path to success," affirmed Garcia.

"The trade agreement is an important step. It will further catapult what our country has already done without an FTA," added the Peruvian President.

Earlier this year, obtaining an agreement between U.S. officials became difficult after U.S. Democrats voiced their concern over the Peruvian government's lack of labor and environmental protection.

Peruvian officials are basing their hopes on their leaders efforts in Washington D.C. as the deadline for the Andean Trade Promotions and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA), is fast approaching.

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