Peru and the Andean FTA
Peru was the first country to close FTA negotiations, on December 7, 2005. The text of that agreement was published within a month [click here for text]
This made a signing of the agreement possible (after the required 90 days) as soon as April 7, 2006. But things have gotten complicated. Peruvian Presidential elections will happen on Sunday the 9th. Seemingly from nowhere a candidate has risen with a platform that includes rejecting a FTA with the US and a reversal of neo-liberal economic policies. The US had hinted that the signing might happen a day or two after the elections, but the events which are transpiring may indicate that a more prudent approach is necessary. Late this week the USTR indicated that the signing had been delayed because a failure to agree on meat inspection measures. It would be highly embarrassing if they signed an agreement in the same week a president was elected who maintains a stark opposition to it.
Late this week the National Elections Commission ruled that a TLC should be submitted for a national referendum. For this to become a reality, the Congress would have to agree to this, but nevertheless it is another political setback for the current president and the US agenda.
For more on the Peruvian Elections: