latest from Panama :
" President Barack Obama has given instructions to "intensify" the effort to resolve outstanding issues surrounding the Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) in order to proceed this year with the ratification of the agreement, said yesterday Ron Kirk, a representative U.S. government business.
"I can say today that the President has directed me to immediately intensify the dialogue with Colombia and Panama, with the aim of resolving outstanding issues as soon as possible this year, and immediately bring these agreements to Congress for consideration" , Kirk said at a hearing before the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives.
However, Kirk said that "there are serious issues" to be resolved with both countries. "Some of these issues are directed to basic values and U.S. interests, such as protection of labor rights. Any time [to ratify the agreements] will depend on the successful resolution of these issues. "
Kirk made it clear that more is expected of Panama, but did not specify details. He said: "Colombia and Panama have begun to take some important steps, but more needs to be done ... It is critical that they come to the table prepared to take meaningful action. "...
Statements Trade Representative Ron Kirk created an atmosphere of optimism in Panama."
AI
