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Bolivia's Evo Morales rejects EU-Peru free trade deal & annoys ministers

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

Peru's Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism Mercedes Araoz stated that Bolivian President Evo Morales did not have the power or authority to place conditions on or boycott negotiations for a free trade pact between the European Union and Peru.

She affirmed that the Bolivian president could not make decisions for other countries despite the fact that the two nations were members of the Andean Community of Nations (CAN) - a trade bloc comprising the South American countries of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

Araoz asked Evo Morales to respect the decisions Peru made.

Peru needs to modify Andean Community Decision N° 486 to implement the free trade agreement it established with the United States.

Even though Ecuador has shown its support, Bolivian president Evo Morales responded by insulting Alan Garcia last week.

The Bolivian president then invited Garcia to La Paz to further discuss Peru's free trade deal with the U.S. and asked that President Garcia review the deal being implemented with the U.S.

Evo Morales is not aware of the benefits and positive elements a free trade agreement brings, said Peru's Labor Minister Susana Pinilla.

Peru's Minister of Foreign Affairs also publicly requested that the Bolivian president respect the decisions Peru was making.

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# Wolfgang Leander says :
10 June, 2008 [ 20:04 ]

Oh, my God - again???

Somebody like the king of Spain should tell Evo: "Por que no te callas?"

# rgamarra28 says :
10 June, 2008 [ 21:16 ]

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and Peru's economy has been growing healthily the past few years now. Evo Morales is not in a position where he can criticize economic policies or free trade agreements of other prospering countries.

# Mark says :
10 June, 2008 [ 21:28 ]

As I read once before "Evo Morales is the symbol of ignorance."

# Esteban says :
10 June, 2008 [ 21:49 ]

I couldn't agree more, Evo is pathetic as a president of Bolivia.

# CapitanDan says :
10 June, 2008 [ 22:12 ]

Ah, My friends this is totally unrelated to the article,but doesn't Evo Morales look a little like Moe of the three stooges. Sorry ,I had to get that off my chest. Chau

# A says :
10 June, 2008 [ 23:04 ]

Garcia makes "Fat Albert" look skinny

# John Rice says :
11 June, 2008 [ 03:11 ]

It depends on what one wants--freedom and the rights of self determination, or a comfortable bridle with which to be led. 
Look at the history of these agreements, especially in Latin America, and who is the beneficiary in the end.  It is guaranteed you will find that those who sign the agreements will win (millions in bribes, and a free trip to exile in the USA) while the peope they are supposed to represent will lose (their freedoms and resources) while allowing an empire to continue its attempted domination of the world.
Think about it for just a minute--why would the US demand these agreements, if not for its own benefit? 
Morales has rejected them--not because of stupidity, but because he has not yet been corrupted.  If you want to see how it works, read "Economic Hit Man" by John Perkins who knows about it personally, because he was one.
Regards,,,John

# lstyle says :
11 June, 2008 [ 08:52 ]

although i see the benefits of the US free trade agreement, i am deeply suspicious as to it intentions. I would support garcia in having free-trade agreement with any other country such as russie, india, south korea, japan etc except the US. I am not comfortable with a free trade with the US cuz i dont think it would bring as much benefits as we think it will for peru. morales has a point to criticize and i think he should but i think his criticism is goign too far. he is acting more like chavez. i think peru should focus more on signing fair free-trade agreement with other nations and stop depending so much on the US for everything.

# Christian says :
11 June, 2008 [ 09:06 ]

Well, at least some one has something to say that is not just insults.  Thanks John for your comment, "Economic Hit Man" is a very interesting book and not hard to believe.  Anyhow, as you said, teh struggle is about self determination and rights, but most important, do what is right, give people the opportunity to have some of the benefits that for more that 20 years only big coorporations and developed countries were getting from our resources and people.  I'm not agains FTA in the sense that could bring more opportunities in terms of markets, income, etc.  the problem is that currently FTA only will benefit, again, the big coorporation and developed countries and for us, just more poverty and social unrest as consequence.  Just think about that...and please, if to expres your opinion, the only thing you can come up are insults with out any argument, then you should think about who is the symbol of ignorance and pathetic.
Thanks!

# CapitanDan says :
11 June, 2008 [ 09:15 ]

Istyle, you are right we shouldn't depend on the U.S..We should broaden our horizons, but unfortunately the U.S. and a few E.U. countries are the only ones with crazy people to invest large sums of money(Entrepreneur's). I have a friend that builds railroads. He enjoys it and makes a few dollars doing it. He got the right to rebuild a railroad in Guatemala. He built it had it running then the government changed the agreement and canceled his options on other property. Now he has left and is suing the government . His chances to recover any monies are slim to none.Oh, now the railroad is in disrepair and seldom runs. Chau

# John Rice says :
11 June, 2008 [ 12:43 ]

@Christian--thanks for your kind words.  "Free" trade in the past has benefitted mostly those who have tried to impose it on others.  "Fair" trade in principle, benefits all--and there is where the differences lie.

@CapitanDan--as I read your 11 June, 2008 [ 09:15 ]  comment, I couldn't help reading between the lines concerning your railroad friend (who is likely one of your fellow wealthy elite):  He is a millionaire capitalist wanting to make more millions on what he considered to be a good investment--by some government entity now no longer in power--nothing wrong with that, right?  So he rebuilt a railroad and after having done so, was prevented by the new Guatemalan government from pursuing other opportunities he thought he was entitled to--by canceling the options he had on other property.  Do I have that about right, so far?
I imagine a book could be written about what you did not mention about this 'incident'--about how he got the contract originally, and the contractual terms, and about whether they were satisfactorily completed or not--all very important issues as to how this will be resolved in the end.
So,,,what did he do?  He bailed out and is suing the government, the implied consequence you claim, is that the railroad is now in disrepair and seldom runs, all due to the government's actions as opposed to your friend's actions. 
It is a very interesting story, my friend--as far as it goes.  What I'd like to know are the nitty-gritty details such as:  was the contract legally obtained, or gotten through bribes?    Did he fulfill all of his obligations, and did the government, or not?    And lastly, and of particular relevance to this topic, cui bono--who benefits?  
Was it like one of the privatization decrees in Bolivia made by Goni under IMF/WB orders which deeded a nation's resources to private investors while impoverishing Bolivians, or was it not? 
Think of similar measures which will be imposed as terms of the FTA in Peru.  All Bolivia got from similar measures, was fewer resources and more poverty--which is why Morales' efforts to return Bolivia's assets to Bolivia are being so rigorously opposed by the USA, and why Bolivia's previous leaders are fat and happy and living in the USA.
Do those of you who favor the FTA in Peru want a similar result, or not?  Those are your choices.
Regards,,,John

# CapitanDan says :
11 June, 2008 [ 14:17 ]

Ah Christian, You couldn't be further from the truth . He made his money on Patents . To him railroads are a Hobby , like my boat and sailing is to me. Yes, he is a Millionaire, but one of the honest ones that help people with his wealth and by creating good paying jobs. The property he was entitled to under his contract with the government were right of ways which already existed and spur lines. The Government was supposed to keep the lines clear and guard them from being ripped up and stolen by thieves. The government didn't keep their end of the agreement. After he proceeded to spend money repairing the equipment and getting it running the government basically wants to Nationalise it. Would you invest more in a railroad that you won't get even your money back? I don't think so.As for the nitty gritty facts you can Goggle them up. As for the "Wealthy Elite" I Thank You. I have three things that I owe my success too, 1. A Good Education, 2. Hard Work and ,3. The Grace of God. As for Bribes , every port I entered from Mexico to Brazil and back ,some Customs Agent or government worker had their hand out. This custom of entitlement seems to be ingrained in the fabric of the central and south american cultures. You are right though about the FTA's. They seem to benefit big corporations more than the workers. They will probably create more jobs in Peru than in the U.S.. Many Union's in the U.S. want these deals revoked, saying they are taking jobs away from the U.S..If the Democrats win the White House then the FTA's will definitely be reworked. John , You seem to be an intelligent person ,so answer this question, "When did government ever run an efficient business"? Me I think I will go fishing. Chau 

# Christian says :
11 June, 2008 [ 15:37 ]

*CapitanDan, just take a look to the rate of court cases in which goverments were sued by companies, according to that your friend will get his money but the governement (people's money) doubly.   They will have to "compensate for losses".  Second, demoncrats (better, Clinton's administration) pushed for NAFTA; however, you are right in terms that  Obama might want to review the whole thing of FTA, which will be good thing to do because currently, as I said above but John said in a better way Free Trade benefits mostly those who are trying to inpose it on others.  About your question, there are some good examples, the post office in USA, very efficient and reliable.  However, the ones that are more important; education and health, just take a look to some of the european countries, and not that far, Cuba.
Everything has to be in balance, the role of government is very important as well the private sectors, the problem is when the private sector does not care anything but money and with the argument of FDI and development exploits people, exhaust our natural resources and deteriorate the environment, and on top of that they claim that are helping the poor with "good jobs".  Why not listen to ther alternatives, why so afraid of change...maybe becasue this type of change will jeopardize the nice, and beautiful way of life of the wealthy elite and will reduce their pockets? 
thanks again, and good fishing but think that while you are fishing, there are some thousands of people working hard and hoping that with the grace of God will have so me more opportunites.   And lets hope for a system that "benefits ALL", not just few. 

regards,

# John Rice says :
11 June, 2008 [ 16:14 ]

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# danidanado says :
11 June, 2008 [ 16:23 ]

Who would want to invest in Evo Morales?  Not me, that's for sure.  Not when there is a likely hood that my investment will be "Nationalized" without compensation.  Morales is a moron who will likely tank Bolivia's economy more than it is now.  Go Peru!

# John Rice says :
11 June, 2008 [ 18:09 ]

To moderator:  Your deletion of my response was not only unnecessary and mistakenly done, it was wrong.  I did not in any way violate any of your terms of service by any means at all.  I would not and did not do that, and was astonished to find I had been censored.
If you considered the term 'blow' to be vulgar when used in the way I did, I'm sorry, but you simply must have misunderstood what I wrote.
Yes, it can be vulgar when used in an entirely different context (like fellatio--which is the way I think you took it to be--naughty you!), but I didn't use it that way--in the manner I used it, it meant an inept handling of, or a lost opportunity.  (My dictionary lists at least 16 different definitions of that word, and only one of them might be considered vulgar.) It would be like not permitting the word 'screw' when used as a method for attaching pieces of wood or metal. 
I urge you to read it again, please--then use your good judgment and reinsert my response--with or without this message.  (I prefer it included for educational purposes.)
My original post is as follows, without changing a word of it.  If you must, feel free to replace "blow" with "mess up", but please do not leave your readers with the mistaken impression that I was vulgar or abusive, when in fact I was not.  After all, I have a good reputation to maintain, and don't want anyone else to 'blow it' for me.  Thank you,,John

El Capitan Dan,,,(saluting smartly)
Thank you--You seem to be an intelligent person from my perspective as well...(sure hope I didn't 'blow' your opinion of me by saying that...)

To answer your question, if one thinks of the US's Social Security system as a business, it would be one of the larger one's, and if their assets had not been taken out of trust and used to support wars, interest on the national debt and other nonsense that they had no control over, it would be in great fiscal shape right now.  It has a history of very little corruption, and a relatively high degree of providing necessary services very satisfactorily for many years, and for who knows how many hundreds of millions of people...I sure don't.  

So that is one example, and though your point is well-taken, it isn't quite so cut-and dried as initially it might seem, or you might hope for.  For example, our efficient and well-run public mass-transit systems were intentionally fiscally destroyed by corporations and their political lackeys in favor of producing more cars, highways etc.  Otherwise they might be another example.

An honest evaluation of the medical services provided by Cuban doctors not only within Cuba, but donated to other nations as well, reveals an unparalleled efficiency and very high degree of professionalism and services provided, to all of her citizens (and even visitors, too) and all of it is absolutely free (yes, even including for gringos from the USA).  We could do much better in the USA if we were to emulate much of what Cuba has done medically, as opposed to trying to destroy her.

In addition, for purposes of discussions with me, please understand that I don’t necessarily favor government-run businesses, but rather government ownership of natural resources, then leasing or licensing them out to businesses for revenues and to control pollution/environmental abuses etc., and governments providing ‘fetters’ for businesses to reduce rampant abuses and corruption (Enron et al), and in some cases using taxes to reduce obscene profits (Exxon-Mobil etc), and to provide only some vital services (Social Security, Medicine etc) but not to be in the day to day operations of most other business, seen as being best suited for the entrepreneurial spirit (which unfettered capitalism strives to crush to reduce competition).  After all, isn’t the ultimate goal of unfettered capitalism—monopoly?

Last,,,think of a certain little TV gecko when I say this--”I LOVE fishing”.  (Oh,yes,,,and clams, too.)

Regards,,,John

# John Rice says :
11 June, 2008 [ 18:31 ]

danidanado,,,
Jindal mining has recently invested it's largest world-investment outside of India in Bolivia.  It is a HUGE investment.  Others are signing mining and gas contracts with Bolivia almost daily, because they understand the good opportunities there.  They also understand that with Morales in power, they will not be able to take advantage of Bolivia like they used to.
No one's business has been nationalized without compensation, as you have suggested--if I am wrong--name me just one.
You defame Morales as a moron, while you obviously don't know what the facts are.  Lastly, you suggest/imply that there is somehow a contest or battle now between Bolivia and Peru by saying "GO Peru!", like it was a football match or something.
I say, Go Peru! and Go Bolivia!,,,and for your own benefit, go against the FTAs not just for your national interests, but for the benefit of all of Latin America.
Regards,,,John

# CapitanDan says :
11 June, 2008 [ 21:01 ]

Hi John, Thanks for the Salute, I think.I hope it's not like the kind people give to each other in the U.S. while driving.Your Point about the Social Security is right . If government wouldn't have touched it. That's the problem with governments as you can vouch for They can't be trusted to make the right choices. Unfortunately Social Security was a good scheme as long as you had more people paying in than collecting. Now with the baby boomers starting to collect , I don't know if I will ever see a penny by the time I reach the age to collect.I have been to Cuba 3 times. Once legally the other 2 times I helped a Doctor friend from Miami deliver medicine to his father who has a heart ailment. The medicine wasn't available in Cuba. Cuba is starting to adapt needed reforms to offset the poverty. As for free trade. Their is nothing fair. Look at the Olympics. It is who has the best blood doping and steroids that win. Peru and Bolivia don't have a chance. What bothered most people in this forum is the fact that Morales insulted a supposedly good neighbor and colleague. I am not a betting man, but I believe that by this time next year their will either be civil war in Bolivia or a change in government. I pray I am wrong as I have seen too many people die over senseless things.You and Christian seem to be Young (20's to early 30's )Very high ideals ,educated , energetic and want to save the world. I wish you sincerely luck and ask you to please relax and don't have a heart attack over what's said ,in this forum or what the moderator does. Life is too short. Me I am beat and can only offer my almost half century of experiences. Good Luck and Chau.

# John Rice says :
11 June, 2008 [ 22:04 ]

http://www.livinginperu.com/news/6652

El Capitan Dan,,,
You are welcome,,,many times over. 
We get it,,,repeatedly <grin>.
Know that if I were to give you the one-fingered salute you suggested I might, you would know it by my words.  I'm ex-Navy and I know respect for a captain--when deserved--even for that of a rowboat captain.  I, too love the sea.
I have no idea about Christian,,,but surprise, surprise--I'm going on 63, and so it seems I might be a tad older than you.  Or perhaps two tads. And I've been around a bit too, including 3 trips to Bolivia so far.
And it seems I'm lucky too; lucky enough to be vigorous and looking for a second career in Bolivia--a country and people I have come to love more than my own native one, which unfortunately now disgusts me for what I know we do to others, and worse yet--why we do it. 
I have no illusions about trying to save the world--I'm just sick and tired of seeing my tax dollars used for killing other innocent people.  If I can help with potable water, sanitation, alternative energy or tourism in Bolivia--double bonus--I get to feel great at the same time!!
We agree on a whole lot of issues, it seems.  Like love of fishing, the doping scandals, fishing, Social Security, boating etc. and did I mention fishing? 
But we disagree also--unlike you, I am a betting man.  And understanding only some of the capabilities of the US government in dividing and conquering other nations (ex. The former Yugoslavia w/ the help of Amb. (to Bolivia) Goldberg); our pitting the Muslim sects against each other and the Kurds in Iraq; and many other illegal wars, no,,,I wouldn't take that bet, for to do so would be to risk underestimating US capabilities--never a good idea when there is empire/profits to be had.
Lastly, my friend--you caution Christian and me to relax, and not get too upset over what happens here.  Please allow me to relax your concerns instead.  I don't get upset over things which happen here in cyberland.  What upsets me is having a government that most people rightly understand to be criminal--and it seems I can't do anything about it.  Nothing I can do other than leave it, that is--if they will let me--and that upsets me more than I can say.
By your leave, sir.  (((saluting smartly; walking away; making very small ripples on the water)))
Regards,,,John

# Christian says :
12 June, 2008 [ 05:08 ]

* CapitanDan, it is sad that when the issue is about social justice, human rights, better world and so on, it seems that if you are young and idealist, better not even try anything.  It happen that I'm in my mid30s; whatsoever,  what is more fustrating is that with half century of experience, instead of encouraging young people to take a bet for change and join the struggle of the more vulnerable, you only get (in my opinion due to a disapointing conformism of the status quo of the present and future by lack of courage or just laziness) words like "young idealist that whats to save the world".  However, if were not for those idealist young people of our further or recent history, the world would have been even worst.  So, dont worry about us getting a heart attack over what's said or is not said.  I think that I have been already vaccinated agaist the bitter taste of your words, which are not the first and won't be the last one.  Anyway, thanks for your half century of experience, always welcome and very appreciated.
*John, thanks for your words adn as you well said GO Latin America!! that's the bet.

# d says :
12 June, 2008 [ 13:48 ]

Dear John...
To take your challenge to produce the name of one company nationalized by Bolivia I Googled: Bolivia nationalizing? and guess what?Over a hundred pages!  So far, most of what has been nationalized has been in the oil and gas sectors, but I believe that is just the beginning.  Left leaning govt's usually nationalize the biggest revenue producers 1st.  Next, I predict will be the public utilities.  After that, any foreign owned manufacturing companies turning a frofit. 

I also googled Jindal Mining from India.  Don't want to burst your bubble, but Jindal has a terrible reputation for mistreating their employees and peasants whom they forcibly relocated from land that they wanted to excavate.  They also have a lousy reputation on enviromental issues.  I doubt that Jindal could get permits in Peru because of their reputation in their own country.  Too bad Bolivia didn't have the foresight to investigate how Jindal got the money to invest in that country.

Lastly, I say Go Peru, because Peru isn't going the way Bolivia is.  In Peru we have progressive thinkers in power, not regressive like in Bolivia.  Evil Morales is a moron because he is destroying Bolivia's economy, dividing his people along racial and economic lines, etc.  I too think Morales looks like one of the Three Stooges, but I think he looks more like Curly with hair! Whoop, whoop, whoop, whoop!

# danidanado says :
12 June, 2008 [ 13:48 ]

Dear John...
To take your challenge to produce the name of one company nationalized by Bolivia I Googled: Bolivia nationalizing? and guess what?Over a hundred pages!  So far, most of what has been nationalized has been in the oil and gas sectors, but I believe that is just the beginning.  Left leaning govt's usually nationalize the biggest revenue producers 1st.  Next, I predict will be the public utilities.  After that, any foreign owned manufacturing companies turning a frofit. 

I also googled Jindal Mining from India.  Don't want to burst your bubble, but Jindal has a terrible reputation for mistreating their employees and peasants whom they forcibly relocated from land that they wanted to excavate.  They also have a lousy reputation on enviromental issues.  I doubt that Jindal could get permits in Peru because of their reputation in their own country.  Too bad Bolivia didn't have the foresight to investigate how Jindal got the money to invest in that country.

Lastly, I say Go Peru, because Peru isn't going the way Bolivia is.  In Peru we have progressive thinkers in power, not regressive like in Bolivia.  Evil Morales is a moron because he is destroying Bolivia's economy, dividing his people along racial and economic lines, etc.  I too think Morales looks like one of the Three Stooges, but I think he looks more like Curly with hair! Whoop, whoop, whoop, whoop!

# CapitanDan says :
12 June, 2008 [ 14:49 ]

Christian, If you would just get the rage out for a second and reread my comments you will see that I wish you luck in your endeavour. Their is nothing bitter in my words as I believe John can attest to. I have retired and it's my time to pass the baton of life to you fresh ,idealistic guys.Me, I do charity work for the poor and free consulting and design work (Engineering)for friends .I had several adopted children 3 of which are in Universities because I could afford to send them. I have worked hard for almost 50 years and now I can do the things I want to and when I want to.Nothing lazy about my life. Now I await your Apology. Chau

# Christian says :
12 June, 2008 [ 15:51 ]

CapitaDan, I did not mean to offent you, please accept my appoligy.  As I mentioned before, I enjoyd the interchenge of views and insights.  Again sorry and good luck in everything.

# CapitanDan says :
12 June, 2008 [ 17:27 ]

Thank You Christian, Good Luck in everything. It's that my head is getting a little soft from bumping it so often. Take Care my Friend ,Chau.

# John Rice says :
12 June, 2008 [ 19:16 ]

danidanado,,,
First, relative to Jindal (only one of many corporations rushing into Bolivia to make reasonable profits--Google that if you dare) they have already signed binding agreements to abide with rigorously enforced environmental standards imposed by the Morales government which were neglected/ignored by previous governments--again to Bolivia's benefit.  Didn't you find that out too with your great research skills, or did you merely (conveniently) forget to mention it?  Instead, you slyly insinuated there was something wrong with how Jindal obtained their investment capital, but did not elaborate.  If they did something wrong, please come right out and say what it was.  Or are you more interested in some kind of 'guilt-by-association' type of smear?  Come on, back it up with some facts if you can--I'll wait.

Next, I wonder if you are having some trouble with comprehension, or are you deliberately pulling a bait-and-switch?  Your hundred-plus search result pages mean nothing, if what you searched for was "Bolivia nationalizing?"  And you are not stupid—you know it.
Here is what I stated:  "No one's business has been nationalized without compensation, as you have suggested--if I am wrong--name me just one."  The main qualifying clause was obviously "without compensation".
I am not claiming no businesses have been nationalized--of course some have, and no doubt more will be in the future.  The point is that they are being compensated, not stolen/confiscated without remuneration as you stated in your statement: "Not when there is a likely hood that my investment will be "Nationalized" without compensation." 
To make this more clear, I will concede that all settlements have not yet been finalized, and some corporations will (I hope) receive less than they feel they are entitled to, especially those corporations which received their ill-gotten Bolivian resources through previous US-backed (or imposed) illegal practices or outright corruption.  If corporations are proven to have participated in sedition (as some have) or if they took massive profits away and in turn, failed to live up to their contractual obligations, it is my opinion that they should lose it all.  But so far, none have.  Also, please remember that keeping things in context, we are talking about the Morales government, and not about any previous administrations--got it now?  Any questions?
Now go and do some research with your Google searching, but this time, try to be honest with the results.  My challenge still stands, and so far you have failed miserably to prove me wrong—by not being able to provide one proven instance!
Your concluding paragraph would be a joke, if it were not merely childish partisan propaganda.  You say "Go Peru, because Peru isn't going the way Bolivia is," while failing to recognize the growing movement in Peru is following in the exact same Bolivarian direction.  (I want Peru to succeed too.)  Then you say Peruvian leaders are 'progressive' when they adopt the same policies which impoverished Bolivia and every other nation which has privatized their resources at the behest of the IMF and WB.  If that is progressive, then someone has changed the word's meaning when I wasn't looking.  Progressive is not when the rich get richer while the poor get poorer--that is regressive.  (Nice try, though.)  The rest of your spurious offerings are either outright lies, or infantile insults not worthy of a serious response, other than the kind suggestion that you would be well-advised to refrain from those tactics in the future, because frankly, they destroy any credibility you might otherwise enjoy.
With diminished regards,,,John

# Splaktar says :
16 June, 2008 [ 02:10 ]

Evo continues to follow in Chavez's footsteps towards being a complete jackass big mouth with no proven track record or experience to back him up.  Just a bunch of stupidity and bullsh*t.

# John Rice says :
16 June, 2008 [ 03:26 ]

@Splaktar--
Your last sentence was a comment on your preceding one, right?  (By the way, what nation (or anything else) are YOU president of and did you receive any more votes than your own?)  Step right up and prove it (or not) and we'll see precisely who is the real 'jackass big mouth'.

(Never mind, you have proven it already.)
With no regards,,,John

# Splaktar says :
16 June, 2008 [ 10:25 ]

John Rice I have not previously commented on this topic.  The post was in relation to this news item and not any previous post of mine or anyone else.  I also don't need to prove anything to you.

# danidanado says :
16 June, 2008 [ 19:50 ]

Ditto.

# ALEJANDRO says :
22 July, 2008 [ 10:39 ]

Sorry guys, but does any of you know anything about economics?
Of course, the US, and the EU and every intelligent country are seeking to sign free trade agreement because those treates benefits them,YES. So what, those free trade agreements also benefit us To all of you who don't know or don't want to acknowlegde it (for political reasons), free trade benefits both parties involved. Let us put it this way, if you live in a small village, would you rather to produce everything by yourself? or would you consider to start trading with the shoemaker, butcher, etc.Please, there is a saying that goes something like this: It is better to keep silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.
Let us be free, that includes economics and trade.