Demonstrators have been descending on Quito from across Latin America this week to protest today's meeting of government ministers and representatives from 34 nations to debate the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). The protestors are vehemently opposed to the FTAA, contending that it will only benefit the United States. On Thursday thousands of demonstrators marched in Ecuador's capital, setting off clashes with local police.
"No to the FTAA, no to imperialism," read signs carried by protesters, among them members of various Indigenous groups and university students. The march entered the city from the south, and began a week ago in the province of Zamora Chinchipe, on the border with Peru. The march was joined by former Bolivian presidential candidate and parliament member Evo Morales, and by Ecuadorian Confederation of Indian Nations head Leonidas Iza. Indians and peasants, mostly women and including some children, entered Quito carrying a flag with all the colors of the rainbow, “representing unity in diversity”.
Hundreds of demonstrators were waiting for a chance to break through the tight police barricade surrounding the hotel where 500 deputy trade ministers were meeting. A large number of National Police units have been deployed to guard Quito. The security operation has also been extended to the areas near the National Congress, where the second day of the continental congressional meeting is taking place. The police used tear gas to disperse several groups that were protesting.
Ministers from 34 nations are set to begin discussing how to open up commerce from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego by the year 2005. The trade agreement would create a free trade zone in 2005 throughout the Americas, excluding Cuba. While supporters see it as the best way to fight poverty in the hemisphere, opponents say American companies will exploit the open market access to steamroll Latin American competition.
Business leaders from smaller economies in Latin America and the Caribbean said they want the United States to drop agricultural subsidies and import tariffs as part of the agreement. They want Friday's negotiations and final agreements to include compensation that will strengthen their weak economies.
“We propose forming a Latin American bloc of nations to face negotiations with countries from the mega-blocs from positions of advantage,” said the vice-president of Ecuador's National Congress, Antonio Posso.
Critics of the FTAA say the hefty subsidies the United States pays its farmers amount to a form of protectionism, and hurt prospects for Latin American exports to the huge U.S. market. They also have criticized tariffs imposed by the Bush administration to protect the U.S. steel industry.
