Colombian trade pact condemned

[Judi Lynn]

Colombian trade pact condemned
By Anne Ravana
Friday, February 22, 2008 - Bangor Daily News


SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — The proposed U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement was condemned by nearly all the Mainers who testified at a hearing Thursday night before the Maine Citizen Trade Policy Commission.

Calling the deal an aid to U.S. investors and oil executives and citing unfair competition from Colombian manufacturers who allegedly operate with disregard for minimum labor standards, the crowd encouraged the commission and the federal government to take a stand against the agreement.
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"I hope that wherever appropriate the commission will emphasize this fundamental message: when international trade treaties involve conflicts between private commercial interests and the health and welfare of citizens, public welfare priorities should prevail," Skorapa said.

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