wfn.org | AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE DENOUNCES THE PASSAGE OF CAFTA

["Jenny Shields" <JShields@afsc.org>]

Social Justice Organization Says CAFTA Sets a Dangerous Precedent for
Future Trade Agreements with Poor Countries

PHILADELPHIA, PA - July 28 -The American Friends Service Committee
(AFSC), an international social justice organization, denounces the
passage of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) by the U.S.
House of Representatives on Wednesday.

Mary Ellen McNish, AFSC general secretary, said this morning, "The AFSC
is deeply concerned about how this trade pact was passed.

"With intense pressure from Republican leadership and back room deals,
CAFTA was passed for political reasons rather than the merits of the
agreement," she added.

Mary Lord, assistant general secretary for peace and conflict
resolution, said today, "Some of the poorest countries in the hemisphere
are in Central America and our experience in Mexico leads us to believe
that CAFTA is likely to accelerate inequality and exacerbate poverty in
the region.

"The passage of CAFTA is a clear message that some members of Congress
are unaware of its potential consequences - such as spurring poverty,
job loss and workplace discrimination," she added.

CAFTA did not measure up to standards of responsible trade adopted by
the AFSC Board of Directors, which felt it will harm the poor and
vulnerable in both the United States and Central America.

According to the AFSC, CAFTA will:
*	Threaten the livelihoods of millions of small farmers in Central
America and the Dominican Republic because they cannot compete against
highly subsidized U.S agribusiness;

*	Restrict the ability of poor countries to provide generic
medicine to deal with public health emergencies like AIDS and malaria;

*	Extend the rights of foreign businesses to sue for monetary
damages when environmental and public health laws chip away at their
profitability; and

*	Provide greater room for manufacturers to move their factories
without protecting the fundamental rights of workers.

Jessica Walker Beaumont, AFSC trade and debt specialist, remarked,
"Although the vote was lost, the debate was won.

"For CAFTA to only pass by a two-vote margin, despite intense pressure
of the Bush Administration, represents a huge shift in Congress.

"An unprecedented grassroots effort led by people of faith helped raise
the ethical and moral arguments against the CAFTA, which is a trade
model that benefits the wealthy at the expense of the poor and
vulnerable," she added.

For more information on AFSC's position on CAFTA visit
www.afsc.org/trade-matters.

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The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that
includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice,
peace and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the
worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome
violence and injustice.

Janis D. Shields
Director, Media and Public Relations
American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: 215-241-7060
Fax: 215-241-7275
After Hours: 302-545-6596