Latin American bishops caution against effects of free trade pacts

Published: 2004-09-14

BOGOTA, Colombia (CNS) -- Citing possible harmful effects on the poor, Latin American bishops pledged to help grass-roots groups have an effective voice in free trade agreements being promoted in the Western Hemisphere. As currently structured, free trade agreements tend to favor multinational companies, the economic elites in Latin America and the industrialized countries, said a statement by the Department of Justice and Solidarity of the Latin American bishops' council. Landless rural farmworkers, small businessmen, women, youths, the elderly and the handicapped often lose out under such agreements, said the document. The four-page statement was written after an Aug. 10-13 meeting in Sao Paulo, Brazil, between Latin American bishops and economic and trade officials of several governments. It was organized by the bishops' council, known by its Spanish acronym as CELAM. The statement was made public Sept. 8 at CELAM headquarters in Bogota.

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