US rejects Mexico’s proposal to settle Doha Round at Davos

Mexico’s push to conclude the decade-old Doha Development Round which began in Qatar in 2001, was rejected by the United States and European Union.  The central tension prolonging the trade negotiations is based on the rich, developed countries desire for more free market access to the economies of developing countries, and the developing countries appeal for more significant contributions from the wealthy countries.   Mexico’s proposal is based on a system of trade-offs across areas such as agriculture, industrial and environmental goods:  ”It looks to open up a whole range of markets, from farming and industrial goods to services, allowing negotiators to make trade-offs across the board.  For instance one country may be willing to make deeper cuts in industrial tariffs if it sees its partner going the extra mile on farm import duties”

Concerns from the EU and the US are the potentially advantageous position this gives to emerging economies such as Brazil, India, China and South Africa.  Another criticism is that Mexico’s plan lacks specificity, and would not open up markets as much as is needed to be succesful.  However, Mexican Economic Minister Bruno Ferrari stated at the most recent World Economic Forum in Davos that settling market access issues, other points of contention in the Doha Round will fall into place. 

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/04/us-trade-doha-mexico-idUSTRE71326620110204?pageNumber=1

http://www.cnnexpansion.com/economia/2011/02/04/eu-doha-comercio-mexico-cnnexpansion

Cumple 15 años el Operativo Guardián

`TIJUANA, BAJA CALIFORNIA.- Abusos, malos tratos, asaltos y violaciones marcaron el paso de la migración durante la primera etapa del Operativo Guardián y las subsecuentes fases (Salvaguarda y Río Grande). Al cumplirse 15 años de esta política estadounidense, la situación se agravó ante la presencia de bandas criminales que han hecho víctimas de secuestros y asesinatos a quienes buscan el “sueño americano”…`

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http://www.informador.com.mx/mexico/2009/143164/6/cumple-15-anos-el-operativo-guardian.htm