US embassy cable - 05TEGUCIGALPA757

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 000757 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT. FOR WHA/PD; IIP/G/WHA DIPASQUALE; AND IIP/T/ES 
DEPT. FOR EB/TPP DCLUNE, DRL/IL, WHA/EPSC AND WHA/CEN 
DEPT. PASS USTR 
DOL FOR ILAB 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP, KPAO, ETRD, ELAB, HO, USTR 
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON CAFTA, APRIL 6, 2005 
 
 
1. Editorial in San Pedro Sula-based liberal daily "Tiempo" on 
4/6, titled "CAFTA CA-USA-DR."  "In Central America, the 
ratification of CAFTA by the region's congresses seems to be 
certain, despite the tenacious opposition of some popular 
sectors, especially labor unions.  El Salvador, Honduras and 
Guatemala have already ratified it, but Costa Rica, - where 
there's a strong opposition to it, Nicaragua, and the Dominican 
Republic haven't, although the last two countries don't appear to 
have much problem in doing so." 
 
"The most important country in this process is the U.S., whose 
Congress doesn't demonstrate clear support for CAFTA, although 
George W. Bush, who reportedly wants Congress to ratify it this 
year, is a strong CAFTA supporter." 
 
"For that reason, the lobbying process, carried out by the 
Central American presidents and other governmental officials in 
Washington is crucial, because ratification by the most important 
party to this agreement is still pending, and ratification by the 
U.S. is simply essential." 
 
"Recently, the Ministers of Labor in the region have done their 
share of the work, convincing the Americans of their commitment 
to implement labor laws which will protect the rights and needs 
of the Central American workers." 
 
Palmer