Presidential meeting could usher in FTA

[NewsWhore]

The meeting between Presidents George W. Bush and Leonel Fernandez announced for later this month, could mark the definitive beginning of the free trade agreement between the two nations. The only pending matter, according to a report in Diario Libre, is the go-ahead from the Untied States on the bills to modify the Law of Industrial Property, the Copyright Law, and the Government Procurement Law. Changes to these three laws were already drafted and sent by the DR to the Office of the US Trade Representative, but so far there has not been any reply. On Monday, Industry and Commerce Minister Francisco Javier Garcia traveled to Washington leading a negotiating mission that is normally headed by Vilma Arbaje. Two days after that, the visit of President Fernandez to the White House was announced for 26 October. This was preceded by visits by Ambassador Hans Hertell to the National Congress and the Presidential Palace to discuss pending laws for the DR-CAFTA. Speculation has also arisen regarding the possibility of the two Presidents discussing the election of the United National Security Council and the Dominican Republic's position on that. Venezuela is seeking a seat on the UNSC and the US is trying to prevent this from happening. Political circles are discussing the possibility that Bush may propose to Fernandez that the DR run for the seat, or otherwise make sure that the DR will not vote for Venezuela. Recently, the Venezuelan Ambassador to the DR, Beliario Landis, stated at the Presidential Palace that the DR had committed itself to supporting his country.

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